Columbia Technology Ventures

Optical super-multiplexing for molecule detection and live-cell imaging

This technology is a set of polyyne-based optical materials and techniques for super-multiplexed imaging and spectral barcoding for molecule detection.

Unmet Need: High-throughput and multiple target molecular detection method

Current optical multiplexing techniques for simultaneous labeling of targets are fluorescence-based. This method limits the number of resolvable features and channels for simultaneous imaging. Optical barcoding is also highly dependent on the resolution of the detection method, since it requires a large quantity of unique optical barcodes. There is a lack of techniques that overcome the overlapping of fluorescence spectra to enable a higher number of targets and optical IDs.

The Technology: Materials for super-multiplexing imaging and Raman-based spectral barcoding

This technology describes a library of optical materials for super-multiplexed imaging and spectral barcoding. It provides a set of Raman frequencies which improves color optical detection when combined with fluorescence microscopy. Additionally, this method achieves a high number of unique barcodes for optical readout through combinatory encoding. This technology can also include a dye-based system and further enhance multiplexing by modulating dye properties.

This technology has been validated in vitro in viral diagnostics studies.

Applications:

  • Super-multiplexed microscopy
  • Medical diagnostics
  • Optical data storage
  • Information encryption
  • Anti-counterfeit applications
  • Chemical barcoding
  • Drug screening
  • Precision medicine

Advantages:

  • Increased photostability with minimal photobleaching
  • Compatible with live cell imaging
  • High number of simultaneous optical channels
  • High number of distinct features for optical readout

Lead Inventor:

Wei Min, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Pending (US20200199657)

Related Publications:

Tech Ventures Reference:

  • IR CU17371, CU18220, CU22302, CU23284

  • Licensing Contact: Beth Kauderer