Abstract: A system and method that images biological samples and uses chromophores to analyze the imaged samples. The chromophore analysis can be done by itself or in conjunction with fluorophore analysis in High Content Imaging systems. To perform chromophore analysis the biological samples can be labeled with different chromophores and imaged using transmitted light that is at least partially absorbed by the chromophores. To also perform fluorophore analysis the samples can also be labeled with fluorophores that are excited by excitation light. The chromophore analysis and fluorophore analysis can be performed separately or concurrently using a High Content Imaging system. The system provides the expanded capability by illuminating the chromophore-labeled samples with transmitted light of different wavelengths and automatically detecting the images which represent the differential absorption of the colored lights by the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of delivering a precisely sized, homogeneous field of light within an optical system. The apparatus operates equally well over UV, visible, and NIR wavelengths, over a wide range of input beam divergence and regardless of heterogeneity. A tapered or contoured homogenizing rod that creates an evenly distributed illumination at a target area of specific size.

Abstract: Accurate, reliable, and robust laser-based autofocus solutions are presented for through-the-lens microscope applications using slides or micro-titer plates. The laser-based autofocus solutions solve many of the problems that have arisen due to multiple reflective surfaces at varying distances relative to a sample of interest. The laser-based autofocus solutions provide a unique solution to resolve the ambiguity caused by these multiple reflective surfaces by using an image-based approach.

Abstract: A system and method that images biological samples and uses chromophores to analyze the imaged samples. The chromophore analysis can be done by itself or in conjunction with fluorophore analysis in High Content Imaging systems. To perform chromophore analysis the biological samples can be labeled with different chromophores and imaged using transmitted light that is at least partially absorbed by the chromophores. To also perform fluorophore analysis the samples can also be labeled with fluorophores that are excited by excitation light. The chromophore analysis and fluorophore analysis can be performed separately or concurrently using a High Content Imaging system. The system provides the expanded capability by illuminating the chromophore-labeled samples with transmitted light of different wavelengths and automatically detecting the images which represent the differential absorption of the colored lights by the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of delivering a precisely sized, homogeneous field of light within an optical system. The apparatus operates equally well over UV, visible, and NIR wavelengths, over a wide range of input beam divergence and regardless of heterogeneity. A tapered or contoured homogenizing rod that creates an evenly distributed illumination at a target area of specific size.

Abstract: A system and method that images biological samples and uses chromophores to analyze the imaged samples. The chromophore analysis can be done by itself or in conjunction with fluorophore analysis in High Content Imaging systems. To perform chromophore analysis the biological samples can be labeled with different chromophores and imaged using transmitted light that is at least partially absorbed by the chromophores. To also perform fluorophore analysis the samples can also be labeled with fluorophores that are excited by excitation light. The chromophore analysis and fluorophore analysis can be performed separately or concurrently using a High Content Imaging system. The system provides the expanded capability by illuminating the chromophore-labeled samples with transmitted light of different wavelengths and automatically detecting the images which represent the differential absorption of the colored lights by the sample.

Abstract: A filter wheel assembly includes a filter wheel and an optical assembly. The filter wheel includes a plurality of viewing openings. The optical assembly includes an optical element secured within an aperture of a housing. The optical assembly is securable to the filter wheel at a viewing opening by a magnetic force. An optical apparatus includes an optical assembly receiver and first and second optical assemblies. The first optical assembly is securable to the optical assembly receiver and the second optical assembly is securable to the first optical assembly by a magnetic force to align the optical assembly receiver and the optical assemblies.

Abstract: A method of predicting cell toxicity of a compound includes imaging cells positioned within a plurality of containers to obtain imaged cellular targets, each container being treated with a different concentration of the compound, the imaging being performed using a quantitative high-content cell imaging system; quantitatively measuring the imaged cellular targets to detect changes in multiple cellular targets associated with cytotoxicity of the compound; and analyzing measurements obtained from the measured imaged cellular targets over a range of compound concentrations to determine the toxicity of the compound.

Abstract: A slide holder assembly and method for use in high content screening of a comet assay. The slide holder assembly has an inside surface and is configured to receive a slide holding a plurality of biological cells on a top surface thereof. When the slide is secured within the slide holder assembly, the inside surface of the slide holder assembly and the top surface of the slide combine to form a cavity having an open top end. The cavity is watertight and configured to hold a liquid therein. A method of performing a comet assay using a slide disposed within a slide holder assembly. The method includes performing encapsulation, lysis, electrophoresis, staining, and imaging of cells on the slide while the slide remains secured within the slide holder assembly.

Abstract: A filter wheel assembly includes a filter wheel and an optical assembly. The filter wheel includes a plurality of viewing openings. The optical assembly includes an optical element secured within an aperture of a housing. The optical assembly is securable to the filter wheel at a viewing opening by a magnetic force. An optical apparatus includes an optical assembly receiver and first and second optical assemblies. The first optical assembly is securable to the optical assembly receiver and the second optical assembly is securable to the first optical assembly by a magnetic force to align the optical assembly receiver and the optical assemblies. Methods of aligning apertures of optical assemblies with viewing openings of a filter wheel or an optical assembly receiver and securing the optical assemblies to the filter wheel or the optical assembly receiver using a magnetic force.

Abstract: A stage assembly, an imaging system that uses the stage assembly, and methods for using the stage assembly in a high content screening system. The stage assembly includes a stage having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface and an opening extending between the top and bottom surfaces to receive a specimen plate. The stage assembly also includes a calibration sample bay formed in the stage. A calibration sample can also be secured within the calibration sample bay.

Abstract: A method of predicting hepatotoxicity of a compound. The method includes imaging cells of hepatic origin positioned within a plurality of containers to obtain imaged cellular targets, each container being treated with a different concentration of the compound, the imaging being performed using a quantitative high-content cell imaging system; quantitatively measuring the imaged cellular targets to detect changes in multiple cellular targets associated with cytotoxicity of the compound; and analyzing measurements obtained from the measured imaged cellular targets over a range of compound concentrations to determine the hepatotoxicity of the compound.

Abstract: A method of predicting whether a compound is a skin sensitizer using an in vitro approach. The method includes a step of imaging immune effector cells positioned within a plurality of containers to obtain imaged cellular targets, each container being treated with a different concentration of a compound. The method further includes a step of quantitatively measuring the imaged cellular targets over a range of concentrations of the compound to detect changes in multiple cellular targets of the immune effector cells associated with skin sensitivity. The method further includes a step of analyzing measurements obtained from the measured imaged cellular targets over the range of concentrations of the compound to determine whether the compound is a skin sensitizer.

Abstract: A filter wheel assembly includes a filter wheel and an optical assembly. The filter wheel includes a plurality of viewing openings. The optical assembly includes an optical element secured within an aperture of a housing. The optical assembly is securable to the filter wheel at a viewing opening by a magnetic force. An optical apparatus includes an optical assembly receiver and first and second optical assemblies. The first optical assembly is securable to the optical assembly receiver and the second optical assembly is securable to the first optical assembly by a magnetic force to align the optical assembly receiver and the optical assemblies. Methods of aligning apertures of optical assemblies with viewing openings of a filter wheel or an optical assembly receiver and securing the optical assemblies to the filter wheel or the optical assembly receiver using a magnetic force.

Abstract: A method and system for setting image analysis parameters to control image analysis operations. The method and system include collecting set of digital training images including a set of states for the set of digital training images. An objective function is defined to determine a relative quality of plural different parameter sets used for digital image analysis. Values for the plural different parameter sets that maximize (or minimize) the objective function are determined. The method and system increases a usability of high content screening technologies by reducing a required level of expertise required to configure digital image processing.

Abstract: A slide holder assembly and method for use in high content screening of a comet assay. The slide holder assembly has an inside surface and is configured to receive a slide holding a plurality of biological cells on a top surface thereof. When the slide is secured within the slide holder assembly, the inside surface of the slide holder assembly and the top surface of the slide combine to form a cavity having an open top end. The cavity is watertight and configured to hold a liquid therein. A method of performing a comet assay using a slide disposed within a slide holder assembly. The method includes performing encapsulation, lysis, electrophoresis, staining, and imaging of cells on the slide while the slide remains secured within the slide holder assembly.

Abstract: A stage assembly, an imaging system that uses the stage assembly, and methods for using the stage assembly in a high content screening system. The stage assembly includes a stage having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface and an opening extending between the top and bottom surfaces to receive a specimen plate. The stage assembly also includes a calibration sample bay formed in the stage. A calibration sample can also be secured within the calibration sample bay.

Abstract: A stage assembly, an imaging system that uses the stage assembly, and methods for using the stage assembly in a high content screening system. The stage assembly includes a stage having a top surface and an opposing bottom surface and an opening extending between the top and bottom surfaces to receive a specimen plate. The stage assembly also includes a calibration sample bay formed in the stage. A calibration sample can also be secured within the calibration sample bay.

Abstract: A method of predicting hepatotoxicity of a compound. The method includes imaging cells of hepatic origin positioned within a plurality of containers to obtain imaged cellular targets, each container being treated with a different concentration of the compound, the imaging being performed using a quantitative high-content cell imaging system; quantitatively measuring the imaged cellular targets to detect changes in multiple cellular targets associated with cytotoxicity of the compound; and analyzing measurements obtained from the measured imaged cellular targets over a range of compound concentrations to determine the hepatotoxicity of the compound.

Abstract: A method and system for setting image analysis parameters to control image analysis operations. The method and system include collecting set of digital training images including a set of states for the set of digital training images. An objective function is defined to determine a relative quality of plural different parameter sets used for digital image analysis. Values for the plural different parameter sets that maximize (or minimize) the objective function are determined. The method and system increases a usability of high content screening technologies by reducing a required level of expertise required to configure digital image processing.