vlcsnap-2025-04-10-15h35m04s021

visualizing mRNA with a tabletop spatial analyzer.

Demcon has designed a tabletop spatial analyzer to visualize mRNA. Such equipment is important for genomics research in laboratory environments. The imaging technique is based on fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to detect and map mRNA.

Within the product development, Demcon focal has been responsible for the optical system design, i.e. the imaging, illumination, image capturing and light and laser safety.

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Competencies

  • Optomechanics: designing the optical path, illumination path and autofocus of the integrated optical module
  • Mechanics: design of a vibration damped system
  • Flow cell design
  • Fluidics: handling and control of multiple reagents
  • System engineering: requirement management, risk analysis, verfication of systems
  • Electrical engineering: control modules for all sub-systems, EMC safe design
  • Usability: ease of use and user-friendly interfaces
  • Regulatory affairs: risk assessments, applicable standard analysis

challenges and issues.

Visualizing highly multiplexed images of mRNA requires a high throughput and resolution. To realize this demanding optical system, Demcon focal integrated a high NA microscope imaging system, including a robust auto-focus sub-system and an in-house designed illumination system. To further enhance throughput, a laser is integrated as a source for the illumination sub-system. Last but not least, image processing is needed to produce the required, detailed images. This makes the imaging microscope an excellent example of the image processing and optics capabilities of Demcon focal.

imaging microscope.

The optical sub-system had its own challenges. For instance, the imaging system required quite a bit of light to collect enough fluorescence photons in each exposure. We ended up implementing a laser system, delivering multiple wavelengths for the different types of fluid types we needed to work with. As expected, this caused a laser speckle issue during imaging.

The implementation of a de-speckling technique gave us the result that we were looking for. Another issue that we solved was the illumination efficiency in combination with the required image homogeneity. By carefully choosing and optimizing for the right balance and smart optical system design, the system performed well within specification.

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close collaboration for success.

Close collaboration with the customer Veranome Biosystems and Demcon life sciences & health made sure all teams remained aligned. This eventually lead to a system that fits the needs of the customer.

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bio-medical imaging.

At Demcon focal we specialise in finding the right technologies for bio-medical imaging challenges.