Automated Optogenetics Platform for High-Throughput Real-Time Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optogenetics systems face challenges in high-throughput testing and long-term experiment capabilities, with existing methods being limited in throughput and requiring multiple biological replicates for reliable data.
Innovation Solution
An automated optogenetics system is developed, comprising an illumination element, a shaker element, and a detector element, which allows for high-throughput testing with regular output measurements and enables longer term experiments by transferring cell containers between these elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If bioreactor-based techniques are used for real-time measurement of light-sensitive cultures, then measurement capability is provided, but throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the culture measurement task into multiple parallel bioreactors (e.g., 96-well plate format with individual bioreactors for each well), allowing simultaneous real-time measurement of numerous cultures. Each bioreactor maintains independent optical path for real-time monitoring while the array provides high throughput collectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The bioreactor system is designed to perform multiple functions: real-time optical measurement, light stimulation delivery, and culture maintenance. The integrated platform combines illumination elements, detection elements, and liquid handling capabilities into a single system that simultaneously manages many cultures.
2Productivity
If individual programming of LEDs in micrawell plate format is used, then light-stimulation throughput is increased, but rapid measurement of optogenetic system response is still lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the light stimulation delivery system (individually programmable LEDs) with the measurement system (detector element) into an integrated platform. The detector element is positioned to directly monitor each well's optical response while the illumination element delivers light stimuli, enabling simultaneous high-throughput stimulation and measurement without requiring separate equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous real-time monitoring of optogenetic responses during light stimulation. The detector element continuously measures optical properties (absorbance, fluorescence, bioluminescence) while the illumination element delivers light programs, allowing uninterrupted observation of dynamic cellular responses throughout the experiment duration.
3Productivity
If optoPlateReader is used, then partial high-throughput measurement is achieved, but liquid handling capabilities are lacking for certain assays and long-term experiments
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed as a multi-functional system that combines high-throughput measurement capabilities with integrated liquid handling. The system can perform optical measurements, deliver light stimuli, and manipulate liquid samples (adding media, reagents, or performing washes) within the same experimental run, enabling both routine high-throughput screening and complex long-term assays requiring liquid manipulation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The automated system enables efficient high-throughput optogenetics testing and allows for longer term experiments, overcoming the limitations of existing systems by providing precise control over light illumination and sample measurement.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination element configured to apply an illumination program to at least one discrete region of a cell container
Implementation Method 2
a detector element, configured for measuring at least one of optical density, bioluminescence, fluorescence, and absorbance from the at least one discrete region
Implementation Method 3
measuring at least one of optical density, bioluminescence, fluorescence, and absorbance
Implementation Method 4
measuring at least one of optical density, bioluminescence, fluorescence, and absorbance
Implementation Method 5
a shaker element configured to shake the cell container
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for performing optogenetics experiments. The system of the present disclosure is an automated optogenetics system, comprising: an illumination element configured to apply an illumination program to at least one discrete region of a cell container; a shaker element configured to shake the cell container; a detector element, configured for measuring at least one of optical density, bioluminescence, fluorescence, and absorbance from the at least one discrete region; and optionally, a transfer element configured to transfer the cell container, during an experiment, between any two or more of the illumination element, the shaker element, and the detector element.