Multiplexing confocal technology

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Comparing to conventional wide-field imaging microscopes, confocal microscopy hold significant advantages in image contrast enhancement, 3D sectioning capabilities, and compatibility with specialized detectors. Despite of being more costly, complicated to operate, and slow image acquisition rate, over the past decade, confocal fluorescence microscope has emerged as an important scientific research tool as well as applications in drug discovery, clinical pathology, etc. For applications such as live cell imaging, slow acquisition speed is a key barrier to adaption of confocal microscopy. While wide-field microscopy is typically faster, multiplexed confocal schemes such as using a spinning foci array can significantly increase the image acquisition rate. The moving foci array in the spinning disc, however, prevents the use of specialized discrete photo detectors arrays. We have developed a suite of technologies to generate, scan, and measure 100-400 confocal foci simultaneously, while is compatible with stationary discrete detectors. Another key feature of the technique is that it can be retrofitted to a conventional wide-field fluorescence microscope. The basic operation principle has been validated on a benchtop set up on live cell imaging. In this NSERC Idea-to-Innovation project, we plan to build a fully integrated, single-box prototype instrument that is fully compatible with conventional wide-field fluorescence microscopes from all four major manufacturers (Zeiss, Nikon, Olympus, and Leica). We will also explore subsequent commercialization pathways for such technology. In the next 12 months we plan to i) integration all modules into a single box, "manufacturing prototype", ii) characterize its performance on living cell imaging on different brand of commercial fluorescence microscopes and comparing them to commercial spinning disc confocal systems, and iii) evaluate different discrete photodetector array technologies and identify pathways to integration. Successful completion of the proposed prototype development will significantly strengthen the developed technology and its potential for the next phase commercialization plans.