System and method for localization of large numbers of fluorescent markers in biological samples

• Main Authors: PARKER N. WILLIAM, UTLAUT MARK W
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 27.11.2012
• Subjects: BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS; ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS; ELECTRICITY; INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIRCHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES; MEASURING; PHYSICS; TESTING

A method and system for the imaging and localization of fluorescent markers such as fluorescent proteins or quantum dots within biological samples is disclosed. The use of recombinant genetics technology to insert reporter genes into many species is well established. In particular, green fluorescent proteins (GFPs) and their genetically-modified variants ranging from blue to yellow, are easily spliced into many genomes at the sites of genes of interest (GoIs), where the GFPs are expressed with no apparent effect on the functioning of the proteins of interest (PoIs) coded for by the GoIs. One goal of biologists is more precise localization of PoIs within cells. The invention is a method and system for enabling more rapid and precise PoI localization using charged particle beam-induced damage to GFPs. Multiple embodiments of systems for implementing the method are presented, along with an image processing method relatively immune to high statistical noise levels.