Serial Line Scan Encoding Imaging Cytometer for Both Adherent and Suspended Cells

Abstract

We present a new design of an imaging cytometer for high content bioanalysis, which is equipped with a low-cost linear complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) imager (running at ≥40kHz). The fluorescent signals are encoded in a series of line scans across the cellular body, while it streams through a precisely defined line-shaped focus spot. This bioanalysis platform enables the concurrent collection of multiple fluorescence channels, while maintaining both high resolution and excellent throughput (1000 cells/s). We develop several image processing routines for the on-the-fly quantitative analysis of subcellular structures. Finally, we characterize our prototype system by imaging both adherent cells (plate format) and suspended cells (microfluidics format).