Patent ID: 8990023
Filing Date: 2015-03-24
Classification: C12M

Abstract:
1. A system for automated cellular injection comprising: (a) a multi-degree-of-freedom motorized positioner stage control device operable to control motion of a multi-degree-of-freedom motorized positioner stage, the multi-degree-of-freedom motorized positioner stage connected to a multicellular holding device operable to immobilize a batch of more than one cell in a desired position, the holding device being made of a biocompatible and optically transparent material; (b) a multi-degree-of-freedom micromanipulator control device operable to control motion of a multi-degree-of-freedom micromanipulator, the multi-degree-of-freedom micromanipulator connected to a micropipette, the micropipette having a tip; (c) a pressure unit connected to the micropipette, the pressure unit operable to pass a deposition volume of a material at an injection pressure to the micropipette; (d) a microscope means comprising a camera mounted on an optical microscope for viewing the position of the micropipette relative to the holding device; and (e) a host computer that includes control software for computer-controlled motion control and for computer-controlled image processing, said host computer being capable of automatically controlling the multi-degree-of-freedom motorized positioner stage control device, the multi-degree-of-freedom micromanipulator control device, the pressure unit and the microscope means; wherein the computer-controlled image processing enables the host computer to automatically align the tip of the micropipette with cells within the batch of more than one cell; wherein the computer controlled motion control enables the host computer to automatically inject materials sequentially into cells of the batch of more than one cell through the tip of the micropipette; and wherein the control software comprises contact detection means which includes instructions that, when executed, automatically determine the position of the tip of the micropipette and a surface of the biocompatible and optically transparent holding device.