Abstract:
A flow imaging system is used to implement surface plasmon resonance (SPR) detection to study bio-molecular interactions. The flow imaging system is used to capture SPR absorption spectra of large numbers of objects, where each object includes both a metal film capable of exhibiting SPR, and detecting molecules. Analyte molecules are added to a solution of such objects, and the result is introduced into the flow imaging system which collects full SPR spectral data from individual objects. The objects can be nanoparticles or larger particles that support metal island films. The SPR spectral data can be used to determine specificity, kinetics, affinity, and concentration with respect to the interactions between the detecting molecules and the analyte molecules.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an imaging system and method. SOLUTION: Light from an object such as a cell moving through the imaging system is collected and dispersed so that it is imaged onto a plurality of separate detectors 321-325. The light is spectrally dispersed by a plurality of spaced-apart dichroic reflectors 301-304, each detector receiving light from a different one of the dichroic reflectors. Each dichroic filter 301-304 reflects light of a different predefined color, passing light of other colors. The output signal from each detector is indicative of a different characteristic of the object. In one configuration, each detector is provided with a separate imaging lens 311-315. In another configuration, the detectors are spaced at varying distances from the corresponding dichroic reflectors, so that separate imaging lenses are not required. COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
A high speed, high-resolution flow imaging system is modified to achieve extended depth of field imaging. An optical distortion element is introduced into the flow imaging system. Light from an object, such as a cell, is distorted by the distortion element, such that a point spread function (PSF) of the imaging system is invariant across an extended depth of field. The distorted light is spectrally dispersed, and the dispersed light is used to simultaneously generate a plurality of images. The images are detected, and image processing is used to enhance the detected images by compensating for the distortion, to achieve extended depth of field images of the object. The post image processing preferably involves de-convolution, and requires knowledge of the PSF of the imaging system, as modified by the optical distortion element.
Abstract:
When utilized in a flow imaging instrument, calibration beads provide a known data source that can be employed in various self diagnostic, calibration, and quality metric applications for the both the optical system of the flow imaging instrument, as well as the flow cell of the flow imaging instrument. Such data can be used to determine point spread functions associated with an imaging system, to determine a sensitivity of an imaging system, and to determine a focal point of the imaging system. Imagery collected from calibration beads can be used to determine core size and stability and TDI/flow speed synchronization. Calibration beads can be beneficially employed to enable stable system operation, even when very low sample concentration, or very small sample sizes are to be analyzed.
Abstract:
Light from an object such as a cell moving through an imaging system is collected, and imaged onto a time delay integration (TDI) detector, producing a pixelated output signal in response to the image of the object. The light can be emitted from a luminous object, from a source and scattered by the object, or can be a fluorescent emission by one or more object probes. Light absorbed or reflected by the object can also produce images for determining specific characteristics of the object. In one set of embodiments, the movement of the object is synchronized with that of the pixelated output signal, which is controlled by the readout rate of the TDI detector. Alternatively, the readout rate of the pixelated output signal is not synchronized with the movement of the object, thereby permitting multiple signals to be produced for each of a plurality of objects over time.
Abstract:
Aspects of the present invention encompass the collection of multispectral images from a population of objects, and the analysis of the collected images to measure at least one characteristic of the population, using photometric and/or morphometric features identifiable in the collection of images. In an exemplary application, the objects are biological cells. In a particularly preferred, but not limiting implementation, the plurality of images for each individual object are collected simultaneously. In an empirical study, the characteristic being measured involves the synapse between conjugated cells. The conjugated cells may represent a subpopulation of the overall population of objects that were imaged. In a particularly preferred, yet not limiting embodiment, the present invention enables the quantization of the redistribution of cellular molecules due to the conjugation of different biological cells. Significantly, such quantization is not feasible with standard microscopy and flow cytometry.
Abstract:
A labeling method that labels an object or specific features of an object with labeled probes that provide a multiplexed signal that can be analyzed by spectral decomposition. This binary and higher encoding scheme can be employed to label components of biological cells. In each encoding scheme, labeled probes that selectively bind to a specific feature are required. The labeled probes include a binding element that binds to the feature, and at least one signaling component that generates a detectable signal, preferably a spectral signature. In one embodiment, adding multiple fluorescent dye molecules to each binding element provides the multiplexed signal. In another embodiment, adding only one signal compound to each binding element provides the multiplexed signal, such that some of the binding elements have a different signal compound added. The different signal compounds provide the multiplexed signal.
Abstract:
Light from an object (24) such as a cell moving through an imaging system is collected, and imaged onto a time delay integration (TDI) detector (44), producing a pixeled output signal in response to the image of the object (24). The light can be emitted from a luminous object, from a source and scattered by the object, or can be a fluorescent emission by one or more object probes. Light absorbed or reflacted by the object can also produce images for determining specific characteristics of the objects. In one set of embodiments, the movement of the object is synchronized with that of the pixelated output signal, which is controlled by the readout rate of the TDI detector (44). Alternatively, the readout rate of the pixelated output signal is not synchronized with the movement of the object, thereby permitting multiple signals to be produced for each of a plurality of objects over time.
Abstract:
A low pulsatility syringe pump including a duplex bearing set (218) rotatingly supporting a lead screw (216), and a transmission having a first drive train configured to increase a number of motor rotations required for a single rotation of the lead screw (216), and a second drive train configured to reduce the number of motor rotations required for a single rotation of the lead screw (216) as compared to the first drive train. Another embodiment also includes a motor (316) configured to rotate the syringe about its own axis, independent of the motion of the lead screw (216). In this other embodiment, the fluid in the syringe barrel includes objects (such as cells, latex beads, etc.) entrained in the fluid. The rate of rotation (e.g., about three revolutions per second) is chosen such that each object traces a substantially circular pathway in the syringe barrel and remains in suspension.
Abstract:
Light from an object such as a cell moving through an imaging system is collected and dispersed so that it is imaged onto a plurality of separate detectors (321-325). The light is spectrally dispersed by a plurality of spaced-apart dichroic reflectors (301-304), each detector (321-325) receiving light from a different one of the dichroic reflectors (301-304). Each dichroic filter (301-304) reflects light of a different predefined color, passing light of other colors. The output signal from each detector (321-325) is indicative of a different characteristic of the object. In one configuration, each detector (321-325) is provided with a separate imaging lens (311-315). In another configuration, the detectors (321-325) are spaced at varying distances from the corresponding dichroic reflectors (301-304), so that separate imaging lenses are not required.