Heriot-Watt: real time biophotonic imaging and cell tracking system

Collaboration opportunity | Licensing opportunity

Building on existing work in wavefront sensing and adaptive optics, researchers at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland have developed a lens system that uses diffraction grating to project multiple image slices simultaneously to a camera or a detector array, making it possible to observe biochemical processes in real time

The slices represent the +1, 0 and -1 image planes and provide 3 separate images, at different focal depths, that are captured and analysed by particle tracking software to give positional information.

The imaging and cell tracking system provides real time, 3D data on biological processes. The lens system is compatible with existing microscopes and digital cameras and is suitable for inverted or upright microscopes. It has been tested in fluorescence, bright/ dark field and phase contrast microscopy imaging modes.

The dedicated image capture and particle tracking software allows for high speed imaging.

Proof of concept has been demonstrated on existing microscopes and a prototype lens system is available for testing. An alpha version of the particle tracking software is available.

Heriot-Watt University is looking for microscopy, imaging, biophotonics and life sciences companies which would be interested in further developing this real time imaging technique. Potential partners should have an interest in either obtaining a licence to develop the technology, or to act as industrial sponsors to collaborate and provide financial support for technological developments in specific areas.

For more informaiton, visit the project’s page at: http://www.university-technology.com/details/3c4d---real-time-biophotonic-imaging--cell-tracking-system