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Live cell imaging technique with increased contrast and penetration depth

Summary

Non-invasive, live cell imaging is critical to modern biological and medical research. Two-photon fluorescence microscopy is an important method used to visualize tissue in depth. However, it suffers from constraints on image contrast because of out-of-focus fluorescence that overwhelms the detected signal. This technology proposes a method to extend the depth limit and increase contrast by performing stimulated emission reduced fluorescence microscopy (SERF). The subsequent reconstructed image using this method has a significantly improved signal-to-background contrast. This allows for improved depth and resolution of two-photon fluorescence microscopy for live cell imaging of biological specimens including brain slices, embryos, whole organs, and even live animals.

Technology Benefits

Increased image contrastIncreases photon penetration depthSERF components can be integrated into standard two photon microscopesPatent Information:Patent Pending (WO/2013/173698)Patent Pending (US 20150168703)Tech Ventures Reference: IR CU12311

Technology Application

Fluorescence imaging of living cells within tissues such as brain slices, embryos, whole organs and live animalsImaging of samples in which high contrast and enhanced signal to noise is necessary

Detailed Technology Description

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*Abstract

None

*Inquiry

Beth KaudererColumbia Technology VenturesTel: (212) 854-8444Email: TechTransfer@columbia.edu

*IR

cu12311

*Principal Investigator

*Publications

Min W, Freudiger CW, Lu S, Xie XS. “Coherent nonlinear optical imaging: beyond fluorescence microscopy.” Annu Rev Phys Chem. 2011;62:507-30.Wei L, Chen Z, Min W. “Stimulated emission reduced fluorescence microscopy: a concept for extending the fundamental depth limit of two-photon fluorescence imaging.” Biomed Opt Express. 2012 Jun 1;3(6):1465-75.Wei L, Min W. “What can stimulated emission do for bioimaging?” Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2013 Jul;1293:1-7.

Country/Region

USA