Patent Publication Number: US-9891192-B2

Title: System and method for flat panel detector gel and blot imaging

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/245,041, filed Apr. 4, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the invention relate generally to gel and blot imaging and, more particularly, to a system and method for performing gel and blot imaging using a flat panel imaging system. 
     Gel electrophoresis and electroblotting are commonly used techniques for the separation and analysis of macromolecules (DNA, RNA and proteins) and the subsequent transfer of such macromolecules onto a membrane, respectively, that then enables further analysis of these macromolecules using probes, such as specific antibodies, ligands, or stains, that can and/or drive a reaction and produce a color blot (e.g., Western blot imaging and Southern blot imaging). Several detection techniques may be employed in gel and blot imaging for DNA and/or protein analysis, including the detection, recognition, and quantification of specific macromolecules in a sample of tissue homogenate or extract. Such techniques include fluorescent detection, chemiluminescent detection, and colorimetric detection. In fluorescent detection, a fluorescently labeled stain or probe is excited by light and the emission of the excitation is then detected by a photosensor (e.g., a charge coupled device (CCD) camera) that captures a digital image of the gel/blot and allows further data analysis, such as molecular weight analysis and a quantitative western blot analysis. In chemiluminescent detection, a blot is incubated with a substrate that will luminesce when exposed to a reporter on the antibody—with the light that is generated being detected by photographic film to create an image of the blot thereon or by CCD cameras to capture a digital image of the blot. 
     The performing of fluorescent detection, chemiluminescent detection, and/or colorimetric detection according to existing techniques—specifically with respect to the use of film emulsion and/or CCD cameras to capture images—presents some drawbacks and limitations. For example, film emulsion is the conventional detection medium for chemiluminescent detection, but is characterized by non-linear response and limited dynamic range requiring multiple exposures, thereby resulting in a time-consuming and expensive imaging procedure. As another example, as chemiluminescent signals generated from the blots are normally weak and time-varying, relatively fast exposure (e.g., on the order of a minute), low noise, and high light detection efficiency is required for accurate image capture when using CCDs. Thus, limitations of the CCDs regarding operation at a low frame rate (due to the inherent sequential read-out thereof) and low temperature (to achieve a reasonable noise level) present challenges in accurately capturing the chemiluminescent signals. Still further, CCDs require a high efficiency optical lens to focus the large blot to small CCD chips (˜1 cm 2 )—with the optical lens adding to the cost of the high-end CCDs, increasing the size and vertical space of the imaging device (due to the large working distance of the CCD camera), and also causing problems with regard to light collection efficiency (due to the large working distance). Yet still another drawback of image capture via CCD is that the capturing of images can take approximately 3-20 minutes—depending on the desired exposure. 
     Other more recent attempts to provide a system that captures a digital image of the blot include a C-digit system released by LICOR Biosciences that utilizes a linear scanner with sixteen linear sensors. The linear scanner combines short working distance (like film emulsion) to maximize light collection efficiency and multiple small low cost linear sensor arrays to meet the data acquisition time requirement, but the scan time to scan the large area is still around multiple minutes per pass (i.e., 6-12 minutes). Additionally, there is a concern that during the scanning time (on order of 10 minutes), the transient behavior of the chemiluminescence in the blot itself will be changing. As such—as the linear scan is happening—the intensity at the beginning of the scan will be higher than the intensity of at the end of the scan (bottom of the scan), therefore introducing an artificial gradient in the measurement. 
     Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a system and method for image acquisition in gel and blot imaging that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks of conventional imaging techniques and associated systems. It would also be desirable for such systems and methods to provide improved performance in regards to sensitivity, dynamic range, exposure time, and quantum efficiency, while eliminating costly high-efficiency imaging optics such as are used with existing CCD image sensors, so as to provide a system at a reduced cost and size. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a method for generating a digital image in fluorescence detection gel imaging includes providing a gel sample having a gel and a sample of macromolecules therein and placing the gel sample on a flat panel detector of a flat panel imaging system, the flat panel detector comprising an array of photodiodes and transistors that collect light generated from the gel sample. The method also includes illuminating the gel sample using a light source integrated into the flat panel imaging system and collecting light emitted by the gel sample responsive to an excitation of the gel sample by light provided by the light source, with the light emitted by the gel sample being collected by the array of photodiodes of the flat panel detector and converted to electric charges to generate light data. The method further includes processing the light data to generate a digital image of the gel sample, the processing and image generation being performed by an image reconstructor separate from or incorporated into the flat panel imaging system. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a method of generating a digital image in fluorescence detection gel imaging includes providing a gel sample labeled with a fluorescent reagent, the gel sample having macromolecules labeled by the fluorescent reagent. The method also includes positioning the gel sample within a flat panel imaging system to provide for capturing of a digital image of the gel sample, the positioning of the gel sample within the flat panel imaging system further including placing the gel sample on a flat panel matrix-based light sensor comprising an array of photodiodes and transistors and closing a lid of the flat panel imaging system to create a closed environment for capturing of the digital image. The method further includes illuminating the gel sample using a light source integrated into the lid of the flat panel imaging system so as to excite the fluorescent reagent causing the gel sample to generate fluorescent light and detecting the fluorescent light emitted by the gel sample using the flat panel matrix-based light sensor, with the fluorescent light being collected by the array of photodiodes, converted to electric charges, and subsequently converted to digital signals. The method still further includes providing the digital signals to an image reconstructor to process the digital signals and generate a digital image of the gel sample. 
     Various other features and advantages will be made apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is an elevated perspective view of a flat panel imaging system, including a flat panel detector, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded sectional view of the flat panel detector of  FIG. 1  taken along line II-II, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is an elevated prospective view of the flat panel detector of  FIG. 1  removed from a protective base portion, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic view of an amorphous silicon photodetector array of the flat panel detector of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a technique for digital image acquisition of a chemiluminescence blot using the flat panel imaging system of  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an elevated perspective view of a flat panel imaging system, including a flat panel detector, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is an exploded sectional view of the flat panel detector of  FIG. 6  taken along line VII-VII, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating a technique for digital image acquisition of a fluorescence blot using the flat panel imaging system of  FIG. 6 , according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 9  is an elevated perspective view of a flat panel imaging system, including a flat panel detector, according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 10  is an exploded sectional view of the flat panel detector of  FIG. 6  taken along line X-X, according to an embodiment of the invention 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart illustrating a technique for digital image acquisition of a colorimetric blot using the flat panel imaging system of  FIG. 9 , according to an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 12  illustrates images acquired of a cell lysate sample using each of a flat panel imaging system, CCD-based imaging system, and a C-Digit imaging system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments of the invention relate generally to gel and blot imaging and, more particularly, to a system and method for performing gel and blot imaging using a flat panel imaging system. The flat panel imaging system is a two-dimensional light sensitive image detector array which provides a digital image of the light collected on the detector surface. According to embodiments of the invention, the flat panel imaging system may be specifically constructed to function under chemiluminescence, absorbance (colorimetric), and fluorescence gel and blot imaging modes. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , a flat panel imaging system  10  for use in a gel and blot digital image acquisition is provided according to an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 1  provides an elevated perspective view of the flat panel imaging system  10  generally including an outer housing  12  that houses a flat panel detector  14  therein to surround and protect the physical light receptors, electronic detection equipment and associated electronics of the flat panel detector  14 . The outer housing  12  includes a base portion  16  that encases the flat panel detector  14  and a lid  18  that, according to one embodiment, is hinged to the base portion  16  so as to be selectively opened and closed with respect to the base portion to provide a “closed environment” to exclude external sources of light for performing of a gel/blot image acquisition. 
     The flat panel detector  14  of the flat panel imaging system  10  functions as the light detection device in the gel or blot image acquisition. In performing the image acquisition, a “gel sample” or “blot sample”  20  is placed directly onto the imaging surface of the flat panel detector  14 , such that photons generated during the image acquisition are directly and efficiently collected from the gel/blot sample. The “gel sample” is understood to refer to an agarose/polyacrylamide gel alone (with protein/DNA/RNA sample therein), while the “blot sample” is understood to refer to an macromolecules (i.e., protein/DNA/RNA sample therein) transferred from the gel onto a membrane. The flat panel detector  14  provides a digital image of the light collected on the detector surface, with the digital image being a quasi-stationary image with desirable signal-to-noise ratio. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an exploded sectional view of the flat panel detector  14  taken along line II-II of  FIG. 1  is provided to better illustrate a construction of the flat panel detector. As shown, the flat panel detector  14  includes a top protective layer  22  that provides protection to the components of the detector and that also receives the gel or blot directly thereon. Photons generated during the gel/blot image acquisition pass through protective layer  22  and are absorbed by an array of photodetectors (i.e., photodiode/transistor array) that, according to an exemplary embodiment, is formed from amorphous silicon panel  24 . While the array of photodetectors is described hereafter as being formed of an amorphous silicon  24 , it is recognized that poly-silicon, an organic photodiode, or crystal silicon technology could instead be employed. As an example, in an embodiment where an organic photodiode is employed, the organic photodiode material may include an electron blocking layer including aromatic tertiary amines and polymeric aromatic tertiary amines, a mixture of a donor material containing a low bandgap polymer, and an acceptor material containing a fullerene material. 
     The photodiode/transistor array of the amorphous silicon panel  24  receives and converts photons into a plurality of representative image data values  26 . Image data values  26  are received in analog form by interconnect electronics  28  and output therefrom as analog image data  30 . Amorphous silicon panel  24  and interconnect electronics  28  are formed on silicon glass substrate  32  through semiconductor technology known in the art. For example, in fabrication, eleven layers of amorphous silicon, various metals, and insulators are deposited by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (“PECVD”), sputtering and meniscus coating to form field effect transistors (“FETs”), diodes, interconnects, and contacts. Together, the protective layer  22 , amorphous silicon panel  24 , interconnect electronics  28 , and glass substrate  32  form a flat panel detector  14 . 
     With respect to the top protective layer  22 , the layer is constructed to specifically accommodate placement of a gel or blot  20  thereon and provide for accurate photon capture of the gel/blot. The protective layer  22  is thus formed so as to be transparent, sufficiently hard so as to resist scratching, and chemically resistant so as to allow wipe-down thereof with cleaning solvents after removal of a gel/blot upon completion of a digital image acquisition. According to embodiments of the invention, the protective layer  22  may be constructed of glass, mylar, or another suitable thin, tough plastic, or may be a combination of both glass and plastic, where the plastic top sheet is a replaceable layer. It is also recognized that, rather than a replaceable layer being included on protective layer  22 , a removable protective layer or protective sleeve could be utilized to protect/enclose the blot sample (i.e., the membrane on which the sample is provided). In each embodiment, the surfaces of protective layer  22  can also be coated with a conductive polymer (PDOT) or indium tin oxide (ITO), for example, so as to prevent artifacts or damage that might occur if statically charged samples (e.g., saran wrap) are placed on the detector. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, the protective layer  22  is constructed as a “thin” layer having a thickness of ˜25-75 um (e.g., 50 um) in order to prevent light spreading and maintain good spatial resolution, with the protective layer  22  providing for optimal transmission of photons therethrough so as not to degrade the modulation transfer function (MTF) of the amorphous silicon panel  24 . The protective layer  22  also provides thermal isolation between the gel/blot  20  and the amorphous silicon panel  24 , which is desirable as it is recognized that the placement of cold liquid gels/blots in contact with the imager—coupled with the long acquisition times (on the order of minutes) that might be present in, for example, western blot imaging—can cause local changes in temperature, which in turn affect the leakage current in the photodiodes, which can cause image artifacts. Additionally, the protective layer  22  may incorporate an angle discriminating film thereon to increase contrast and decrease crosstalk of light received by the flat panel detector  14 . 
     As can be seen in  FIG. 2 , the flat panel detector  14  does not include a scintillator material therein that is often found in such detectors—such as in flat panel detectors used for various x-ray imaging applications. As the detector  14  acquires photons/light emissions directly from a gel or blot sample via use of the photodiodes, no scintillator is required for converting x-ray/radiation into photons prior to receiving of the photons by the photodiodes. Accordingly, the flat panel detector  14  is specifically constructed for use in capturing digital images of macromolecules (e.g., proteins, DNA, RNA) that are analyzing via gel and blot imaging, microtiter plate imaging, etc. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , an elevated prospective view of the flat panel detector  14  removed from base portion  16  ( FIG. 1 ) is provided. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the top protective layer  22  covers the amorphous silicon panel  24 , with the amorphous silicon panel being comprised of an array of photo cells or pixels  34  that convert light photons received on the detector surface during gel and blot imaging to electrical signals that are representative of the number of photons or the intensity of radiation impacting individual pixel regions of the detector surface. Row electrodes  36  and column electrodes  38  are connected to the pixels  34 —with each pixel being generally defined at a row and column crossing, at which a row electrode or scan line  36  crosses a column electrode or data line  38 . Contact fingers  40  are formed for receiving signals from the column electrodes  38 , and contact leads  42  are provided for communicating the signals between the contact fingers  40  and readout electronics (not shown) that convert analog signals generated by the pixels  34  to digital values that can be processed, stored, and displayed following reconstruction of an image. 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the array elements or pixel regions  34  are organized in rows and columns  36 ,  38 , with each pixel  34  including a photodiode  44  and associated thin film transistor  46  (TFT). The cathode of each diode  44  is connected to the source of the transistor  46 , and the anodes of all diodes  44  are connected to a negative bias voltage  48 . The gates of the transistors  46  in each row are connected together and the row electrodes  36  are connected to scanning electronics  50  (i.e., row drivers) described in further detail below. The drains of the transistors  46  in a column are connected together and an electrode of each column  38  is connected to readout electronics  52 . In operation, the photodiodes  44  are biased by way of the negative bias voltage  48  and discharged at the appropriate time by way of transistors  46 , with the transistors  46  controlling electrical discharge from the appropriate corresponding columns  38 . The rows  36  and columns  38  of pixels  34  define an image matrix  54 , having a height and width of desired size. For the flat panel detector  14 , which is utilized for gel and blot imaging, the image matrix may be constructed to have dimensions of approximately 40×40 cm, with an array of 2048 columns×2048 rows at 200 μm pitch, according to one embodiment. It is recognized, however, that the flat panel detector  14  may be constructed to have different dimensions and a different array size at a different pitch, such as pixels at a 100 μm pitch or 50 μm pitch, for example. In general, the size of the panel is able to accommodate up to four mini gels/membranes or one large gel/membrane, such that flexibility for particular imaging needs or requirements can be easily met. 
     Each of the rows and columns of pixels  36 ,  38  is coupled to a row bus  56  and column bus  58 , respectively. The row bus  56  includes a plurality of conductors for enabling readout from various columns of the detector, as well as for disabling rows and applying a charge compensation voltage to selected rows, where desired. The column bus  58  includes additional conductors for reading out the columns while the rows are sequentially enabled. The row bus  56  is coupled to a series of row drivers  50 , each of which commands enabling of corresponding row  36 . Similarly, readout circuitry or electronics  52  is coupled to column bus  58  for reading out all columns  38 . According to one embodiment, in response to sequential trigger signals from row drivers  50 , all columns are simultaneously read out by readout electronics  52 . 
     As mentioned above, a thin film transistor  46  is provided at each crossing location for each photodiode of each pixel region  34 . As each row  36  is enabled by row drivers  50 , signals from each photodiode  44  may be accessed via readout circuitry  52 , and converted to digital signals for subsequent processing and image reconstruction—such as by way of an image reconstructor  60  provided separately from the flat panel imaging system  10 . While image reconstructor  60  is shown separate from flat panel imaging system  10  in  FIG. 4 , it is recognized that in another embodiment the image reconstructor  60  could be incorporated into the flat panel imaging system  10 . 
     According to embodiments of the invention, the flat panel imaging system  10  generally described in  FIGS. 1-4  may be utilized for imaging gel and/or blot samples of macromolecules (DNA, RNA and proteins), with imaging being performed according to one of various detection techniques, including chemiluminescence detection, fluorescent detection, and colorimetric detection. Analysis of standalone gel samples and blot samples (e.g., western blot imaging and southern blot imaging, for example) may be performed using the flat panel imaging system  10 . 
     According to one embodiment, the flat panel imaging system  10  is utilized for chemiluminescence Western blot imaging. Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 1 , the lid  18  of the flat panel imaging system  10  is constructed as a “dark lid” that provides for an efficient capture of light emitted from the chemiluminescent reaction in the blot  20  by the flat panel detector  14 . The dark lid  18  mates with the base portion  16  such that the outer housing  12  forms a light-tight box within which a digital image acquisition of the chemiluminescence blot imaging can be performed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , and with continued reference back to  FIGS. 1-4 , a technique  62  of image generation for chemiluminescence blot imaging is illustrated according to an embodiment of the invention—with the technique being described for a Western blot technique. The technique  62  begins at STEP  64  with the providing of a blot sample  20  that is prepared in accordance with a manner commonly known in the art. In providing the blot sample  20 , proteins of the sample are first separated using gel electrophoresis—with the separation of proteins being by isoelectric point (pI), molecular weight, electric charge, or a combination of these factors, for example. The gel electrophoresis may employ polyacrylamide gels and buffers loaded with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), for example, to maintain polypeptides in a denatured state once they have been treated with strong reducing agents to remove secondary and tertiary structure (e.g., disulfide bonds [S—S] to sulfhydryl groups [SH and SH]) and to allow separation of proteins by their molecular weight. Sampled proteins become covered in the negatively charged SDS and, upon applying of a voltage along the gel, move to the positively charged electrode through the acrylamide mesh of the gel. The proteins travel only in one dimension along the gel for most blots, with proteins migrating through the gel at different speeds (rates of advancement) dependent on their size—with the different rates of advancement (different electrophoretic mobilities) separating the proteins into bands. 
     In order to make the proteins accessible to antibody detection they are moved from within the gel onto a membrane made of nitrocellulose or polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), for example, such as by way of electroblotting—with the proteins maintaining the organization they had within the gel. In performing the antibody detection process, the membrane is “probed” for the protein of interest with a modified antibody which is linked to a reporter enzyme that—when exposed to an appropriate substrate—drives a colorimetric reaction and produces a color. The antibody detection is typically a two-step process. In a first step, a dilute solution of primary antibody (generally between 0.5 and 5 micrograms/mL) is incubated with the membrane under gentle agitation. Typically, the solution is composed of buffered saline solution with a small percentage of detergent, and sometimes with powdered milk or BSA. After rinsing the membrane to remove unbound primary antibody, the membrane is exposed to another antibody (i.e., a secondary antibody) directed at a species-specific portion of the primary antibody. The secondary antibody is usually linked to biotin or to a reporter enzyme such as alkaline phosphatase or horseradish peroxidase (HRP), which means that several secondary antibodies will bind to one primary antibody and enhance the signal. 
     In order to generate chemiluminescence in the blot sample  20 , a substrate molecule is then provided with which the enzyme in the secondary antibody reacts—i.e., the substrate molecule will be converted by the enzyme to a colored reaction product or luminescence that will be visible on the membrane, with the colored reaction product or luminescence being produced in proportion to the amount of protein. As an example, in an embodiment where a HRP is the enzyme in the secondary antibody, a luminol-based substrate is applied to produce a chemiluminescent signal released in the form of light. In the presence of HRP and a peroxide buffer, the luminol oxidizes and forms an excited state product that emits light as it decays to the ground state. A blot sample  20  that generates a chemiluminescent signal released in the form of light is thus provided at STEP  64 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 5 , in a next step of technique  62 , the blot sample  20  is placed onto the flat panel detector  14  of the imager  10 , as indicated at STEP  66 . More specifically, the sample  20  is placed on the top protective layer  22  of the flat panel detector  14  such that it is in direct contact therewith. Accordingly, the blot sample  20  is positioned immediately adjacent to the amorphous silicon photodetector array  24  of the flat panel detector  14 . Upon placement of the blot sample  20  on the flat panel detector  14 , the dark lid  18  of the flat panel imaging system  10  is closed at STEP  68  and acquisition/capture of the chemiluminescent signal (i.e., light) emitted from the blot sample  20  via the flat panel detector  14  is commenced at STEP  70 . Light emitted from the blot sample  20  is converted to electric charge and stored in the photodiodes  44  of the photodetector pixels  34 . The charge is read out by activating the thin film transistors  46  associated with the photodiodes  44 , with the read-out time being adjustable as desired for properly detecting the chemiluminescent light signal emitted from the blot sample  20 . 
     The read-out of the charges stored in the photodiodes  44  is performed by read-out electronics  52  of the flat panel detector  14 , which convert the charge to digital signals. The digital signals generated by the read-out electronics  52  may then be provided to an image reconstructor  60  for subsequent processing and generation of a digital image of the western blot sample, as indicated at STEP  72 , with the digital image displaying specific proteins in the blot sample so as to allow for further data analysis thereof, such as evaluation of protein levels, molecular weight analysis, and/or another quantitative analysis thereof, for example. 
     According to another embodiment, the flat panel imaging system  10  generally described in  FIGS. 1-4  is utilized for fluorescence imaging of a gel sample. In such an embodiment, the flat panel imaging system  10  may be modified as shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7  in order to accommodate such fluorescence imaging. Referring first to  FIG. 6 , the flat panel imaging system  10  is shown therein as including a transillumination light source  74  that provides illumination for performing of fluorescence imaging when required. In one embodiment—such as would be used in DNA/RNA sequence detection—the transillumination light source  74  is an ultraviolet (UV) light source that is incorporated into the lid  18  of the housing  12 . In another embodiment—such as would be used in protein detection—the light source  74  is a colored light source (e.g., red/green/blue (RGB) light source or blue light source) that is incorporated into the lid  18  of the housing  12 . The light source  74  is used in conjunction with a light-activated fluorescent stain or reagent to generate a light emission from the gel or blot sample  20 . As shown in  FIG. 7 , a narrow bandwidth filter  76  may be included in the flat panel imaging system  10 , with the filter  76  being incorporated into the flat panel detector  14  to filter the light source emission from light source  74  from the light generated by the gel sample responsive to excitation of the fluorescent reagent by the light source. According to another embodiment, a combination of a long pass filter and short pass filter could be used instead of the narrow bandwidth filter  76 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , and with continued reference back to  FIGS. 1-4  and  FIGS. 6 and 7 , a technique  78  of image generation for fluorescence imaging of a gel sample is illustrated according to an embodiment of the invention. The technique begins  78  at STEP  80  with the providing of a gel sample  20  (i.e., no membrane) that is prepared in accordance with a manner commonly known in the art. The gel sample  20  is solidified to the extent that it can be provided as a standalone sample placed directly onto the flat panel detector  14 —with the sample typically having a jello-like consistency. The gel sample  20  may be in the form of a DNA/protein sample in agarose or polyacrylamide gel, with gel electrophoresis being performed to separate proteins/DNA in the sample. 
     The gel sample  20 , and more specifically the macromolecules in the gel sample, are fluorescently labeled to make them visible. A fluorescent reagent is utilized that causes a light to be emitted from the gel sample when the reagent is excited by a light source—such as light source  74  (UV or colored light source). The fluorescent reagent may be any of a number of stained nucleic acid gels that can be excited by a UV or colored light source. In one embodiment, where DNA/RNA is analyzed via excitation with UV light, the reagent may be ethidium bromide (EtBr), iridium bromide, or SYBR® Green, for example. In another embodiment, where protein is analyzed via excitation with colored light (or UV), the reagent may be Texas Red or SYPRO® Ruby, for example. Similar to enzyme reactions (as in chemiluminescence), the fluorescent reagents may be optimized for optimal signal-to-noise ratio, as if the degree of fluorescent labeling is too low, the signal will be weak and if the degree of fluorescent labeling is too high, the signal will also be weak due to the inactivation of the detection reagent or quenching of the signal caused by a phenomenon known as Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET). Thus, upon applying of the fluorescent reagent, a completed fluorescence blot sample  20  is provided at STEP  80 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 8 , in a next step of technique  78 , the gel sample  20  is placed onto the flat panel detector  14  of the imager  10 , as indicated at STEP  82 . More specifically, the gel sample  20  is placed on the top protective layer  22  of the flat panel detector  14  such that it is in direct contact therewith. Accordingly, the gel sample  20  is positioned immediately adjacent to the amorphous silicon photodetector array  24  of the flat panel detector  14 . Upon placement of the gel sample  20  on the flat panel detector  14 , the lid  18  of the flat panel imaging system  10  is closed at STEP  84  and the light source is activated at STEP  86 . An output of light from the light source  74  excites the fluorescently labeled sample and causes light to be emitted from the gel sample  20 , and this light is acquired/captured by the flat panel detector  14  at STEP  88 . The light emitted from the gel sample  20  that is captured by the flat panel detector  14  is converted to electric charge, which is stored in the photodiodes  44  of the photodetector pixels  34  and subsequently read out by activating the thin film transistors  46  associated with the photodiodes  44 . 
     The read-out of the charges stored in the photodiodes  44  is performed by read-out electronics  52  of the flat panel detector  14 , which convert the charge to digital signals. The digital signals generated by the read-out electronics  52  may then be provided to an image reconstructor  60  separate from the flat panel detector  14  for subsequent processing and generation of a digital image of the gel sample  20 , as indicated at STEP  89 . For the technique  78  described above, the digital image generated at STEP  89  will display specific proteins/DNA/RNA in the gel sample so as to allow for further data analysis thereof, such as evaluation of protein levels and quantitative analysis thereof. 
     According to another embodiment, the flat panel imaging system  10  generally described in  FIGS. 1-4  is utilized for absorbance or colorimetric (i.e., absorbance) imaging of a gel sample  20 . In such an embodiment, the flat panel imaging system  10  may be modified as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10  in order to accommodate such colorimetric imaging. Referring first to  FIG. 9 , the flat panel imaging system  10  is shown therein as including a transillumination light source  90  to provide illumination for performing of colorimetric imaging. According to one embodiment, the transillumination light source  90  that is incorporated into the lid  18  of the housing  12  is a white light source, and color filter arrays  92  may be placed over the photodetector pixels  34  of the flat panel detector  14  to capture the color information, as is shown in  FIG. 10 . In another embodiment where the light source  90  is a white light source, each pixel  34  may be divided into three sub-pixels each filtered by a thin-film filter of a specific color—such that each pixel captures all three colors (red/green/blue). In such an embodiment, it is recognized that the displayed image for the gel sample could be a color display that uses the color that has the highest absorbance for the used stain. 
     While light source  90  is described above as a light source that illuminates the full area of the gel sample, it is understood that in another embodiment the light source  90  could be configured as a source that selectively scans the gel sample using a point, line or patch. By providing a light source that scans the gel sample area using a point, line or patch, the contrast in the colorimetric detection can be increased. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , and with continued reference back to  FIGS. 1-4  and  FIGS. 9 and 10 , a technique  94  of image generation for colorimetric imaging is illustrated according to an embodiment of the invention. The technique  94  begins at STEP  96  with the providing of a gel sample that is prepared in accordance with a manner commonly known in the art. The gel sample  20  is solidified to the extent that it can be provided as a standalone sample placed directly onto the flat panel detector  14 —with the sample typically having a jello-like consistency. As previously set forth in detail above, in providing a sample, proteins are first separated using gel electrophoresis and then exposed to a soluble dye to stain the proteins in the gel sample. Examples of soluble dyes that may be employed to stain the proteins are silver stain and Coomassie stains (e.g., Coomassie® Brilliant Blue dye). Upon a desired staining of the proteins, the gel sample is destained to enable visualization of the proteins, upon completion of which a colorimetric gel sample  20  is provided at STEP  96 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 11 , in a next step of technique  94 , the gel sample  20  is placed onto the flat panel detector  14  of the imager  10 , as indicated at STEP  98 . More specifically, the gel sample  20  is placed on the top protective layer  22  of the flat panel detector  14  such that it is in direct contact therewith. Accordingly, the gel sample  20  is positioned immediately adjacent to the amorphous silicon photodetector array  24  of the flat panel detector  14 . Upon placement of the gel sample  20  on the flat panel detector  14 , the lid  18  of the flat panel imaging system  10  is closed at STEP  100  and the light source  90  is activated at STEP  102 . An output of light (white light or colored light) from the light source  90  provides for a densitometry (or absorptiometry) measurement to be taken of the gel sample  20  that measures light absorption through the gel, with the light absorption measurements being acquired/captured by the flat panel detector  14  at STEP  104 . The light absorption through the gel sample  20  that is captured by the flat panel detector  14  is converted to electric charge, which is stored in the photodiodes  44  of the photodetector pixels  34  and subsequently read out by activating the thin film transistors  46  associated with the photodiodes  44 . 
     The read-out of the charges stored in the photodiodes  44  is performed by read-out electronics  52  of the flat panel detector  14 , which convert the charge to digital signals. The digital signals generated by the read-out electronics  52  may then be provided to an image reconstructor  60  separate from the flat panel detector  14  for subsequent processing and generation of a digital image of the gel sample  20 , as indicated at STEP  106 . For the technique  94  described above, the digital image generated at STEP  106  will display specific proteins in the gel sample so as to allow for further data analysis thereof, such as evaluation of protein levels and quantitative analysis thereof. 
     According to additional embodiments of the invention, it is recognized that both the fluorescence imaging technique  78  of  FIG. 8  and the colorimetric/absorbance imaging technique  94  of  FIG. 11  could be performed on a blot sample rather than a gel sample. That is, macromolecules (protein/DNA/RNA) could be transferred from the gel onto a membrane to create a blot sample that is placed in the flat panel imaging system  10  for image acquisition. In such an embodiment—for colorimetric or chemiluminescence—the member could be wetted such that the blot sample becomes semi-transparent or translucent, allowing light from a light source in the imaging system lid to pass through the sample. While such an embodiment can lead to less exciting light passing through the sample (as compared to the gel sample embodiment) and less light uniformity across the sample/membrane, it is recognized that image acquisition of a blot sample in chemifluorescence imaging and colorimetric/absorbance imaging is recognized to be within the scope of the invention. 
     EXAMPLES 
     The following examples were carried out using a flat panel imaging system, such as the flat panel imaging system  10  of  FIGS. 1-4 . Images of a western blot were acquired via a flat panel imaging system, and these images were compared to images acquired of the same western blot using a CCD-based imaging system and a C-Digit imaging system (LICOR system). 
     Example 1 
     In a first example, a sample of 6.25 ng of Actin protein was provided on a western blot—with chemiluminescence detection being used to acquire an image. The Actin protein sample was imaged on each of a flat panel imaging system, a CCD-based imaging system, and a C-Digit imaging system. In performing the image acquisitions with the aforementioned systems, an image of the Actin protein was acquired with the flat panel imaging system using a 12 second acquisition time (i.e., exposure time), an image of the Actin protein was acquired with the CCD system using a 12 minute acquisition time, and an image of the Actin protein was acquired with the C-Digit system using a 12 minute acquisition time. For the acquired images, it was found that a crisper image of the Actin protein was acquired with the flat panel imaging system due to the sensitivity of the flat panel detector and based on the SNR achievable with the flat panel detector. 
     With respect to the SNRs present in the imaging systems, the SNR is determined for purposes of this example based on a peak signal detected during image acquisition of the Actin protein sample and on a standard deviation of noise across a plurality of pixels in the acquired image (e.g., 100 pixels). The standard deviation of noise, σ noise , across pixels in the image acquired with the flat panel imaging system is 11, while the σ noise  across pixels in the image acquired with the CCD system is 35 and the σ noise  across pixels in the image acquired with the C-Digit system is 30. Based on these standard deviations of noise and the peak signals detected with the respective systems, the SNRs achieved with the respective systems are 305 (+/−10) for the flat panel imaging system, 132 (+/−10) for the CCD system, and 34 (+/−5) for the C-Digit system. Thus, it can be seen that an improved SNR is achievable with the flat panel imaging system, leading to improved resolution and crispness in the images of the Actin protein acquired therewith. 
     Example 2 
     In a second example, a cell lysate sample of unknown makeup was provided on a western blot, with a sample of Actin protein also provided on the western blot to serve as a standard or reference point—with chemiluminescence detection being used to acquire an image. Referring now to  FIG. 12 , images acquired of the cell lysate western blot are shown therein, with an image  110  of the western blot acquired via use of a flat panel imaging system illustrated in comparison to similar images acquired via the use of a CCD-based imaging system and a C-Digit imaging system, indicated as  112  and  114  respectively. Each of the images  110 ,  112 ,  114  includes three lanes therein that are generally referred to as a high concentration lane  116 , a medium concentration lane  118 , and a low concentration lane  120 , in which the concentration of the cell lysate sample is varied. 
     For performing an image capture of the cell lysate sample, a line scan acquisition is performed. As can be seen in  FIG. 12 , a line scan—indicated as  122 —is performed on the high concentration lane  116  to provide a high quality image thereon. As can be seen in image  110 , the flat panel imaging system provides increased sensitivity to light generated by the sample along with improved SNR, such that the image  110  includes increased focus and contrast of the cell lysate lanes  116 ,  118 ,  120  shown in the image. With particular respect to high concentration lane  116 , it can be seen that the standard/reference Actin protein is visible, as indicated at  124 , and that another protein in the sample, indicated at  126 , is clearly discernible in the lane  116  of image  110 . However, in each of the CCD image  112  and the C-Digit image  114 , the protein  126  is not discernible/detectable and. Furthermore, particularly with respect to the C-Digit image  114 , it is seen that “bleeding” is present in the image between proteins, based on a large amount of background noise present in the system. 
     In performing the image acquisitions with the aforementioned systems, an image of the cell lysate sample was acquired with the flat panel imaging system using a 8 second acquisition time (i.e., exposure time), an image of the cell lysate sample was acquired with the CCD system using a 12 minute acquisition time, and an image of the cell lysate sample was acquired with the C-Digit system using a 12 minute acquisition time. As a standard chemiluminescence reaction on a western blot has a lifetime of 10-20 minutes, it is thus recognized that only one or two separate exposures and accompanying image acquisitions might be performed with the CCD system and the C-Digit system, thereby limiting the variations of exposure time that might be desired by an operator and the number of separate images that might be acquired—which may lead to an oversaturated or undersaturated image. Conversely, based on the relatively short exposure time associated with the image acquisition of the flat panel imaging system, the system is recognized as having essentially an infinite dynamic range, as a much larger number of separate exposures and accompanying image acquisitions can be performed during the lifetime of the chemiluminescence reaction, such that an ideal exposure time can be identified for optimum image acquisition. The collection of numerous images via the fast acquisition rate also allows for a decrease in the noise of the acquired images. 
     Beneficially, embodiments of the invention thus provide a flat panel imaging system  10  having a flat panel detector  14  that functions as a matrix-based light sensor array, with the flat panel detector  14  being composed of an array of pixels each comprising a photodiode-transistor pair that detect/capture light emitted from a gel or blot imaging process that utilizes a chemiluminescence, fluorescence or colorimetric detection technique. Each pixel may be sized so as to provide for reasonable spatial resolution in capturing light from the gel/blot imaging, with pixels down to a size of 50 microns being included in the flat panel detector. The flat panel imaging system provides demanding performance in terms of sensitivity, dynamic range, exposure time, and quantum efficiency, and collects photons directly and efficiently from the gel/blot sample, which eliminates costly high-efficiency imaging optics used with small cooled CCD image sensors and greatly improves the workflow associated with traditional film—with image capture times of less than 10 seconds (e.g., 6 seconds) being achievable. The increase in sensitivity also allows for dramatically decreasing the amount of sample needed, thus reducing anti-body, reagents required, and laboratory animals, saving costs and time, while the fast acquisition speed enables the use of software to obtain virtually infinite dynamic range, reducing time and effort for each experiment. Of still further benefit, the flat panel imaging system also can provide a quasi-stationary image with reasonable signal-to-noise ratio, which is superior to a scan method. The flat panel imaging system also offers compactness for portability. 
     Therefore, according to one embodiment, a method for generating a digital image in fluorescence detection gel imaging includes providing a gel sample having a gel and a sample of macromolecules therein and placing the gel sample on a flat panel detector of a flat panel imaging system, the flat panel detector comprising an array of photodiodes and transistors that collect light generated from the gel sample. The method also includes illuminating the gel sample using a light source integrated into the flat panel imaging system and collecting light emitted by the gel sample responsive to an excitation of the gel sample by light provided by the light source, with the light emitted by the gel sample being collected by the array of photodiodes of the flat panel detector and converted to electric charges to generate light data. The method further includes processing the light data to generate a digital image of the gel sample, the processing and image generation being performed by an image reconstructor separate from or incorporated into the flat panel imaging system. 
     According to another embodiment, a method of generating a digital image in fluorescence detection gel imaging includes providing a gel sample labeled with a fluorescent reagent, the gel sample having macromolecules labeled by the fluorescent reagent. The method also includes positioning the gel sample within a flat panel imaging system to provide for capturing of a digital image of the gel sample, the positioning of the gel sample within the flat panel imaging system further including placing the gel sample on a flat panel matrix-based light sensor comprising an array of photodiodes and transistors and closing a lid of the flat panel imaging system to create a closed environment for capturing of the digital image. The method further includes illuminating the gel sample using a light source integrated into the lid of the flat panel imaging system so as to excite the fluorescent reagent causing the gel sample to generate fluorescent light and detecting the fluorescent light emitted by the gel sample using the flat panel matrix-based light sensor, with the fluorescent light being collected by the array of photodiodes, converted to electric charges, and subsequently converted to digital signals. The method still further includes providing the digital signals to an image reconstructor to process the digital signals and generate a digital image of the gel sample. 
     This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.