Line-scan imaging for real-time phenotypic screening of C. elegans

Phenotypic screens of living organisms often require real-time, high spatial resolution imaging. We report here on the design and application of a line-scan imaging platform that enables bright-field imaging of live nematodes using a 96-well plate configuration. The system optics are such that each individual well is projected across the full field of view of a 4 K line scanning camera. To minimize motional artifacts, the camera system is translated, while the sample is kept stationary. We discuss the challenges in establishing flat field illumination, image registration and stitching, and the opportunities that this platform has enabled for phenotypic screens of living systems.