Passive multidirectional illumination in light-sheet flourecense microscopy

Problem:

Light-sheet fluorescence microscopy enables rapid scanning of biological samples to reconstruct a 3-dimensional image of the sample. However, images generally contain artifacts (shadows, stripes, etc.) that are caused by illumination inhomogeneity due to absorption or scattering within the sample. These artifacts can occlude observation of biological phenomena in a sample. Moreover, current products use expensive and technologically demanding instrumentation to address these issues.

Solution:

Researchers in Professor Douglas Durian’s laboratory in the University of Pennsylvania’s Department of Physics and Astronomy have developed methods to passively generate multidirectional illumination in a light-sheet imaging system using a light shaping diffuser. The outcomes include the elimination of optical artifacts, similar to those described above. An add-on device incorporating this method into an optical microscope would provide a cost-effective alternative to current prohibitively expensive stand-alone equipment. 

Applications:

• 3-D light-sheet fluorescent imaging of biological samples (tissue or cells)
• 3-D imaging of colloidal and granular materials for particle tracking (soil mechanics, flow behavior, and rheology)

Advantages:

• Cost-effective multidirectional illumination
• Elimination of optical artifacts in light-sheet fluorescence microscopy
• Add-on device compatible with commercial optical microscopes

Stage of Development:

• Prototype
• Proof-of-Concept Data Generated

Intellectual Property:

US Patent Pending

Reference Media:

• Durian Group Publications 
• Salili, S. M. et al.; Rev Sci Instrum 2018 March  89(3): 036107

Desired Partnerships:

• License
• Co-development

Docket # 18-8462