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Open Source High Content Analysis Utilizing Automated Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy
Published on: January 18, 2017
The Gray Institute 'open' high-content, fluorescence lifetime microscopes.
P R Barber1, I D C Tullis, G P Pierce
1Gray Institute for Radiation Oncology & Biology, Dept. Of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. paul.barber@oncology.ox.ac.uk
Journal of Microscopy
|June 19, 2013
Summary
We developed an open-source microscopy platform for advanced fluorescence imaging, enabling easier adoption of techniques like time-domain fluorescence imaging in biology. This modular design enhances flexibility and automation for high-content screening applications.
Area of Science:
- Biophotonics and advanced microscopy techniques.
- Development of modular and open-source scientific instrumentation.
Background:
- Traditional microscopy platforms can be inflexible and costly, hindering the adoption of advanced techniques.
- Transitioning novel microscopy methods from research to routine biological applications requires adaptable and accessible instrumentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an open design methodology for constructing flexible, automated microscopy platforms.
- To demonstrate the first implementation of time-domain fluorescence microscopy on such a platform.
- To facilitate the integration of advanced imaging techniques into routine biological research.
Main Methods:
- Developed a modular microscopy design using commercial off-the-shelf and custom components.
- Implemented time-domain fluorescence imaging (FLIM) using time-correlated single photon counting.
- Engineered automated high-content fluorescence microscope implementations for multiwell plates and tissue microarrays.
Main Results:
- Successfully constructed several automated high-content fluorescence microscope platforms.
- Demonstrated automated wide-field and laser scanning capabilities for high-content microscopy.
- Integrated time-domain FLIM into an automated, flexible platform.
Conclusions:
- The open-design modular microscopy approach enables flexible, expandable, and automated advanced imaging.
- This methodology facilitates the transition of techniques like time-domain fluorescence microscopy to routine biological applications.
- The versatile design is extendable for various applications, including use as radiation-beam end-stations.
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