High throughput multichannel reader and uses thereof

摘要

The present invention relates generally to the field of high content screening of particles, e.g., cells in a flow cytometric system. In particular, the present invention relates to devices, methods and systems to obtain line-scan images of particles, e.g., cells, of a plurality of different samples simultaneously, where the line-scan images can be used to identify cells based on at least one of a variety of phenotypic characteristics such as shape, asymmetry, and intracellular information for cell sorting and selection. In some embodiments, the line-scan images are obtained as the particles, e.g., cells, in a plurality of different samples flow through a plurality of microchannels, reducing the need and time for focusing of the image detection system. In some embodiments, the laser spot size has a small spatial resolution for rapid capturing of images of cells. In some embodiments, the laser spot size has a larger spatial resolution for imaging of larger particles or cells, e.g., rare cells in a sample. In some embodiments, the devices, methods and systems are automated for a high-throughput, high content screening of particles such as cells in a plurality of samples.

主权项

1. A line-scan imaging device for rapid image analysis of particles or biological cells in at least one sample of interest, comprising:
a. a microfluidic device comprising a plurality of microchannels, wherein each microchannel has an inlet and at least one outlet; b. a scanning-imaging detector configured to produce one dimensional (1-D) or low complexity two dimensional (2-D) line images of sufficient resolution for running the image through a cell-type algorithm and also configured to record emitted fluorescence from a particle or biological cell within each of the plurality of microchannels of the microfluidic device; and c. an output device configured to receive data input from the scanning-imaging detector, wherein the data input from the 1-D or 2-D line images run through the cell-type algorithm produces 1-D or sparse 2-D images of sufficient resolution to identify cell features, and wherein the output device comprises a storage device and/or a data analysis system that permits cell phenotype determination from the emitted fluorescence detected in step (b).