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Gu J, Jian H, Wei C, Shiu J, Ganesan A, Zhao W, Hedde PN. A Low-Cost Modular Imaging System for Rapid, Multiplexed Immunofluorescence Detection in Clinical Tissues. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7008. [PMID: 37108170 PMCID: PMC10138925 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
To image 4-plex immunofluorescence-stained tissue samples at a low cost with cellular level resolution and sensitivity and dynamic range required to detect lowly and highly abundant targets, here we describe a robust, inexpensive (<$9000), 3D printable portable imaging device (Tissue Imager). The Tissue Imager can immediately be deployed on benchtops for in situ protein detection in tissue samples. Applications for this device are broad, ranging from answering basic biological questions to clinical pathology, where immunofluorescence can detect a larger number of markers than the standard H&E or chromogenic immunohistochemistry (CIH) staining, while the low cost also allows usage in classrooms. After characterizing our platform's specificity and sensitivity, we demonstrate imaging of a 4-plex immunology panel in human cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue samples. From those images, positive cells were detected using CellProfiler, a popular open-source software package, for tumor marker profiling. We achieved a performance on par with commercial epifluorescence microscopes that are >10 times more expensive than our Tissue Imager. This device enables rapid immunofluorescence detection in tissue sections at a low cost for scientists and clinicians and can provide students with a hands-on experience to understand engineering and instrumentation. We note that for using the Tissue Imager as a medical device in clinical settings, a comprehensive review and approval processes would be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Gu
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Hannah Jian
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Christine Wei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Jessica Shiu
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Anand Ganesan
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Weian Zhao
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Edwards Life Sciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Institute for Immunology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Per Niklas Hedde
- Beckman Laser Institute and Medical Clinic, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
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