Spatial-Temporal Light Control for Optogenetic Screening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack the capability to effectively control and manipulate spatial and temporal patterns of light for high-throughput optogenetic screening, which is essential for studying morphogen gradients and cell signaling dynamics.
Innovation Solution
The development of an illumination device comprising a light source, light guide plates, optical masks, a controller, and a computer-readable medium, which allows for spatial and temporal control of light to cells or substrates in a tissue culture plate, enabling uniform illumination and precise light patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional illumination methods are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but spatial and temporal control precision of light patterns deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device is segmented into multiple independent light sources arranged in arrays, with each light source controllable independently through separate circuit boards. This segmentation enables precise spatial control of light patterns while maintaining modular device architecture that manages complexity through standardized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic control of illumination parameters including intensity, duration, and temporal patterns through programmable circuit boards. The light sources can be activated in different sequences and patterns, providing temporal control precision without requiring complex mechanical moving parts.
2Stability of the object's composition
If light is delivered directly from light sources, then device complexity is reduced, but illumination uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Optical elements such as diffusers and lenses are introduced as intermediaries between the light sources and the sample. These optical components redistribute and homogenize the light output, ensuring uniform illumination across the entire sample area while maintaining the simplicity of the light source array configuration.
3Productivity
If high-throughput screening is implemented, then productivity increases, but control precision over individual cells deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light source array is segmented into multiple independently controllable channels, allowing simultaneous application of different light patterns to different regions or wells. This enables high-throughput screening of multiple samples while maintaining precise control over each individual channel's illumination parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination device is designed with universal control capabilities that can apply various light patterns, intensities, and temporal sequences across multiple samples simultaneously. The programmable system provides multi-functional control that adapts to different screening protocols while maintaining precision across all channels.
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
This system enables precise control of light patterns, improving the uniformity and consistency of light delivery to cells, thereby facilitating high-throughput optogenetic screening and enhancing our understanding of cellular signaling and differentiation processes.
Implementation Method 1
one or more light guide plates provides uniform illumination of the light
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are systems and methods for spatially and temporally controlling light with an illumination device comprising a light source operably connected to a circuit board, one or more light guide plates, one or more optical masks, a controller, and a computer readable medium, comprising instructions that, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to: illuminate a cell or a substrate with light from the light source, and spatially and temporally control illumination of light to the cell or the substrate with one or more illumination parameters, wherein the one or more light guide plates provides uniform illumination of the light. Also provided herein are methods of screening using the system and/or device of the present disclosure.