Apparatus for detecting fluorescent signals emitted by samples
Inventors
Rogers, Arthur H. • ALCIVAR, James T.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10876969-B2
Publication Date
2020-12-29
Expiration Date
Abstract
Various embodiments are directed to a fluorescence reader for assessing a fluorescence intensity of one or more substance samples. The fluorescence reader may comprise a sample support structure for accepting sample wells containing corresponding samples therein, an illumination structure positioned below the sample support structure and configured to illuminate one or more samples positioned within the sample wells, and an imaging structure positioned above the sample support structure and configured to detect a fluorescence emitted by the one or more samples. The illumination structure may comprise one or more reflective perimeter walls, together with the support structure, defining an enclosed illumination cavity, and one or more light sources positioned within the enclosed illumination cavity and configured to emit light causing the one or more samples to fluoresce.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a fluorescence reader for assessing fluorescence intensity for one or more substance samples. The fluorescence reader includes a sample support structure that defines one or more sample well accepting features, each configured to support a sample well containing a corresponding substance sample. An illumination structure is positioned below the sample support structure to illuminate the substance samples within the corresponding sample wells, with one or more perimeter walls and the sample support structure collectively defining an enclosed illumination cavity, at least one perimeter wall including a reflective surface.
The invention further includes an imaging structure positioned above the sample support structure and configured to detect fluorescence emitted by the substance samples illuminated by the illumination structure. The imaging structure may include an opaque hood that forms an imaging cavity and blocks exterior light entry. The imaging device may be a CCD camera or a CMOS camera configured to capture image data representing the fluorescence emitted by the illuminated samples.
In the method aspect, a sample plate is positioned within a sample support structure such that bottom portions of sample wells are suspended within an illumination cavity defined below the sample support structure. The sample plate is illuminated by emitting visible light from one or more light sources into the illumination cavity, wherein the illumination cavity is enclosed by reflective perimeter walls and a bottom surface of the sample support structure. A top portion of the sample plate is imaged by capturing image data from an imaging device positioned above the sample support structure, and portions of the image data may be associated with particular sample wells to determine well-specific fluorescence intensity.
Claims Coverage
Two independent claims are identified: one for a fluorescence reader system and one for a fluorescence intensity assessment method. Across these independent claims, the core inventive features include a sample support structure, an enclosed illumination cavity with reflective perimeter walls and visible light sources, and an overhead imaging structure capturing image data for fluorescence detection.
Enclosed illumination cavity with reflective perimeter walls
One or more perimeter walls form, together with the sample support structure, an enclosed illumination cavity for illuminating one or more substance samples positioned in corresponding sample wells, wherein at least one perimeter wall comprises a reflective surface.
Visible light sources positioned within the illumination cavity
One or more visible light sources are positioned within the enclosed illumination cavity to illuminate the substance samples positioned within the corresponding sample wells.
Sample support structure with sample well accepting features
A sample support structure defining one or more sample well accepting features, each configured to support a sample well configured to contain a corresponding substance sample.
Overhead imaging structure for detecting emitted fluorescence
An imaging structure positioned above the sample support structure and configured to detect fluorescence emitted by the one or more substance samples illuminated by the illumination structure.
Suspending well bottoms within an illumination cavity
Positioning a sample plate within a sample support structure such that a bottom portion of the sample well is suspended within an illumination cavity defined below the sample support structure.
Illuminating with visible light into an enclosed reflective cavity
Illuminating the sample plate by emitting visible light from one or more light sources into the illumination cavity, wherein the illumination cavity is enclosed by one or more reflective perimeter walls and a bottom surface of the sample support structure.
Capturing image data from an overhead imaging device
Imaging a top portion of the sample plate by capturing image data from an imaging device positioned above the sample support structure.
The independent claim coverage centers on combining a sample support structure for well placement, an enclosed illumination cavity with reflective perimeter walls containing visible light sources below the sample support, and an imaging structure positioned above the sample support that captures image data to detect emitted fluorescence.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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