Automated measurement of cardiomyocyte monolayer contraction using the Exeter Multiscope

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Microscopy
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Previous work introduced a microscope design for rapid, random-access well plate imaging.
• Cardiomyocyte contraction analysis is crucial for cardiac research but often limited by imaging speed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement a low-cost, portable microscope prototype (Exeter Multiscope) based on a previously developed design.
• To apply the Exeter Multiscope for high-throughput imaging of cardiomyocyte monolayer contractions in 96-well plates.
• To benchmark the Multiscope's performance against commercial systems and assess its novel 'pixel variance' algorithm.

Main Methods:

• Developed a compact, portable microscope (Exeter Multiscope) using a transmissive geometry.
• Acquired 500x500 pixel images across a 1.4x1.4 mm field of view in three colors at 3.7 Hz per well.
• Utilized multiple illumination wavelengths for post-hoc focus selection and employed a 'pixel variance' algorithm for contraction analysis.

Main Results:

• The Exeter Multiscope achieved data acquisition nearly 40 times faster than a commercial microscope with a motorized stage.
• Post-hoc focus selection via multiple illumination wavelengths enhanced automation.
• The 'pixel variance' algorithm demonstrated effective analysis of cardiomyocyte contraction timing and amplitude.

Conclusions:

• The Exeter Multiscope offers a low-cost, rapid, and portable solution for high-throughput cell imaging.
• This technology significantly advances the automation and speed of cardiomyocyte contraction analysis.
• The 'pixel variance' algorithm provides a robust method for quantifying tissue contractility.