Random access parallel microscopy

Elife. 2021 Jan 12:10:e56426. doi: 10.7554/eLife.56426.

Abstract

We introduce a random-access parallel (RAP) imaging modality that uses a novel design inspired by a Newtonian telescope to image multiple spatially separated samples without moving parts or robotics. This scheme enables near-simultaneous image capture of multiple petri dishes and random-access imaging with sub-millisecond switching times at the full resolution of the camera. This enables the RAP system to capture long-duration records from different samples in parallel, which is not possible using conventional automated microscopes. The system is demonstrated by continuously imaging multiple cardiac monolayer and Caenorhabditis elegans preparations.

Keywords: C. elegans; brightfield; cardiac; chicken; high-throughput; neuroscience; optics; physics of living systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / anatomy & histology*
  • Heart / anatomy & histology
  • Microscopy / classification
  • Microscopy / instrumentation
  • Microscopy / methods*
  • Myocardium / cytology

Grants and funding

The funders had no role in study design, data collection and interpretation, or the decision to submit the work for publication.