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Line-scan imaging for real-time phenotypic screening of C. elegans
Aaron Au1,2, Maximiliano Giuliani1,2, Sean Harrington2,3,4
1Institute of Biomedical Engineering University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 3G9, Canada.
The Review of Scientific Instruments
|June 17, 2025
Summary
We developed a novel line-scan imaging platform for high-resolution, real-time bright-field imaging of live nematodes in 96-well plates. This system minimizes motion artifacts, enabling advanced phenotypic screening of biological systems.
Area of Science:
- Biophotonics
- High-throughput screening
- Nematode research
Background:
- Phenotypic screens of living organisms demand real-time, high spatial resolution imaging.
- Existing imaging techniques may face limitations in speed, resolution, or sample handling for live organism studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and demonstrate a line-scan imaging platform for bright-field imaging of live nematodes.
- To enable high-throughput phenotypic screening using a 96-well plate format.
Main Methods:
- A line-scan imaging platform was developed with specialized optics to project individual wells across a 4K line scanning camera.
- The camera system was translated while keeping samples stationary to minimize motional artifacts.
- Techniques for flat field illumination, image registration, and stitching were addressed.
Main Results:
- The platform successfully achieved bright-field imaging of live nematodes in a 96-well plate configuration.
- Motional artifacts were minimized through a stationary sample and translated camera approach.
- The system's design facilitates efficient image acquisition for phenotypic analysis.
Conclusions:
- The developed line-scan imaging platform offers a robust solution for real-time, high-resolution phenotypic screening of live nematodes.
- This technology opens new opportunities for studying living systems and advancing biological research.
- The platform addresses key challenges in imaging live organisms for large-scale screens.
