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:

• Hu F, Zeng C, Long R, Miao Y, Wei L, Xu Q, Min W. “Supermultiplexed optical imaging and barcoding with engineered polyynes” Nat Methods. 2018; 15(3): pp. 194-200

• Wei L, Chen Z, Shi L, Long R, Anzalone AV, Zhang L, Hu F, Yuste R, Cornish VW, Min W. “Super-multiplex vibrational imaging” Nature. 2017 Apr 27; 544(7651): pp. 465-470

• Shou J, Oda R, Hu F, Karasawa K, Nuriya M, Yasui M, Shiramizu B, Min W, Ozeki Y. “Super-multiplex imaging of cellular dynamics and heterogeneity by integrated stimulated Raman and fluorescence microscopy” iScience. 2021 Aug 20; 18(8)

• Shi L, Wei M, Min W. “Highly-Multiplexed Tissue Imaging with Raman Dyes” J Vis Exp. 2022 Apr 21; (182)

Tech Ventures Reference:

• IR CU17371, CU18220, CU22302, CU23284

• Licensing Contact: Dovina Qu