Abstract: Methods of calibrating a light-field imaging system, a light-field imaging system to perform the calibration methods, a calibration target for the calibration methods, and methods of projecting a light-field image into object space with a calibrated light-field imaging system. An exemplary calibration method is performed with a light-field imaging system including a microlens array (72) and an image sensor (76). A z-stack of light-field images of a calibration target may be captured using the image sensor, while the calibration target is on the stage and located at a plurality of different z-positions. A total magnification of the imaging system and a microlens magnification of the microlens array may be determined from each light-field image of the z-stack.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system, including methods and apparatus, for culturing, monitoring, and/or analyzing organoids. In an exemplary method of organoid culture, the method may comprise disposing a scaffold in a receptacle having an open side. A sealing member may be bonded to the open side of the receptacle to create a chamber. An organoid may be formed in the chamber using the scaffold. Fluid and/or at least one substance may be introduced into the chamber from an overlying reservoir for contact with the organoid.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sample imaging via two-pass light-field reconstruction. In an exemplary method, a light-field image of a sample may be captured in a light-field plane. The light-field image may be forward-projected computationally to each of a plurality of z-planes in object space to generate a set of forward-projected z-plane images. Backward-projections computationally to the light-field plane of the same xy-region in object space from each z-plane image may be compared with the light-field image, to determine a respective degree of correspondence between the backward-projected xy-region from each of the z-plane images and the light-field image. For each different xy-region, at least one of the forward-projected z-plane images may be selected to contribute data for the different xy-region in a 2D or 3D object-space image of the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments related to automated cellular passaging of spheroids, tumoroids, organoids and/or other multi-cellular bodies. Organoids can be cultured in a hydrogel that is disposed in a well unit of a microwell plate. The well unit includes a primary well section that is fluidly connected to a secondary well section via at least one channel, and the hydrogel is disposed in the primary well section of the well unit. The hydrogel is dissipated into hydrogel fragments, thereby separating the organoids from the hydrogel. The hydrogel fragments are removed from the well unit, while the organoids remain in the well unit. The remaining organoids are broken into organoid fragments and corresponding debris. A fresh culture environment is created using the organoid fragments.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for growing, culturing, monitoring, and analyzing embryoid bodies, fused embryoid bodies, spheroids, organoids, or other multi-cellular bodies in a microwell structure formed in one or more wells of an assay and culturing microplate. Hydrogel deposited into a well of the microplate and supported by a support ledge and the bottom surface of the well is molded into a microwell structure using a mold insert tool. In some examples, channels can be formed in the bottom of the microwell structure to allow for an exchange of fluid between a primary well section and a secondary well section of the well. The bottom surface of the assay and culturing microplate is optically transparent and gas-permeable.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microplate including a plurality of wells includes obtaining an upper portion of the microplate. A bottom surface of the microplate is coated with a bottom surface uncured resin. A sheet material is disposed adjacent a central portion of the bottom surface. A frame is disposed adjacent an edge portion of the bottom surface. The frame contains a frame uncured resin. At least a portion of the bottom surface uncured resin is cured to produce a bottom surface cured resin. At least a portion of the frame uncured resin is cured to produce a frame cured resin. A remaining portion of the bottom surface uncured resin is removed subsequent to curing at least a portion of the bottom surface uncured resin.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system, including methods and apparatus, for culturing, monitoring, and/or analyzing organoids. In an exemplary method of organoid culture, the method may comprise disposing a scaffold in a receptacle having an open side. A sealing member may be bonded to the open side of the receptacle to create a chamber. An organoid may be formed in the chamber using the scaffold. Fluid and/or at least one substance may be introduced into the chamber from an overlying reservoir for contact with the organoid.

Abstract: A Western Blot assay is performed by performing a probing process on a membrane containing target proteins, by contacting the membrane with a fluorescent resonant energy transfer (FRET) solution and allowing the probing process to proceed for a probing time period. The probing process results in a target protein becoming labeled with both a donor chromophore and an acceptor chromophore, which are effective as a donor-acceptor pair for FRET when so linked to the target protein. While performing the probing process, the labeled target proteins are measured by irradiating the membrane with an excitation light to excite the donor chromophores, wherein in each labeled target protein, the excited donor chromophore transfers energy to the acceptor chromophore by FRET and, in response, the labeled target protein emits an emission light. The intensity of the emission light is then measured. The light measured may be light emitted from the donor chromophore and/or light emitted from the acceptor chromophore.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for culturing a multicellular structure, such as an organoid. An exemplary system comprises a vessel, an electric/magnetic module, and a control circuit. The vessel may include a culture chamber to contain a multicellular structure. The electric/magnetic module may be configured to be located in the vessel, at a position in or adjacent the culture chamber. The control circuit may be configured to wirelessly power and/or operate the electric/magnetic module.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sample imaging via two-pass light-field reconstruction. In an exemplary method, a light-field image of a sample may be captured in a light-field plane. The light-field image may be forward-projected computationally to each of a plurality of z-planes in object space to generate a set of forward-projected z-plane images. Backward-projections computationally to the light-field plane of the same xy-region in object space from each z-plane image may be compared with the light-field image, to determine a respective degree of correspondence between the backward-projected xy-region from each of the z-plane images and the light-field image. For each different xy-region, at least one of the forward-projected z-plane images may be selected to contribute data for the different xy-region in a 2D or 3D object-space image of the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for growing, culturing, monitoring, and analyzing embryoid bodies, fused embryoid bodies, spheroids, organoids, or other multi-cellular bodies using a system of microplates. Different types of microplates are designed to be used during the various stages of growing and culturing of cells to form embryoid bodies, fused embryoid bodies, spheroids, organoids, or other multi-cellular bodies. The different microplates are designed to mate with one another to allow for the transfer of cells from wells in one plate to wells in the other plate. An assay plate includes an array of perfusable units that include a supply well that is in fluid communication with a culture well to allow for an exchange of fluid.

Abstract: A light-field microscope includes a light-sheet focusing device configured for outputting illumination light as a light sheet, and a microlens array between an objective lens and a light detector. A sample is irradiated by the light sheet along a direction non-parallel to the sample plane. Light-field data may be acquired from the sample without needing to scan through the thickness of the sample. The microscope implements light-field acquisition in conjunction with selective plane illumination.

Abstract: A sample analyzing apparatus for performing an optical-based measurement on a sample includes a housing, a first light source, excitation optics, a first light detector, emission optics, and a monitoring system, all of which are disposed in the housing. The monitoring system is configured for monitoring a movable component disposed in the housing. The monitoring system includes one or more light sources for illuminating the movable component, and one or more light detectors for detecting light reflected from the movable component in response to being illuminated.

Abstract: A sample analyzing apparatus for performing an optical-based measurement on a sample includes a housing, a first light source, excitation optics, a first light detector, emission optics, and a monitoring system, all of which are disposed in the housing. The monitoring system is configured for monitoring a movable component disposed in the housing. The monitoring system includes one or more light sources for illuminating the movable component, and one or more light detectors for detecting light reflected from the movable component in response to being illuminated.

Abstract: A microplate reader and a method for operating the microplate reader are disclosed. The microplate reader includes a housing, a first NFC reader/writer, a filter tray positioning device, a filter tray, an optical filter disposed in the filter tray, and a controller. The filter tray has a filter tray NFC tag disposed thereon and the filter has a filter NFC tag disposed thereon. The controller receives information about an assay protocol to be undertaken, wherein the assay protocol specifies a filter to be used. The first NFC reader/writer reads filter information stored in the filter NFC tag, the controller directs the NFC reader/writer to store the filter information in the filter tray NFC tag, and the controller enables operation of the microplate reader to undertake the assay protocol only if filter information indicates that the optical filter is in accordance with the filter specified in the assay protocol.