Apparatus and method for measuring single cell and sub-cellular photosynthetic efficiency
| DWPI Title: Optical detection system for spectroscopic interrogation of cell structures of simple plants such as algae, has translatable microscope stage which positions sample of plant matter under objective lens |
| Abstract: Devices for measuring single cell changes in photosynthetic efficiency in algal aquaculture are disclosed that include a combination of modulated LED trans-illumination of different intensities with synchronized through objective laser illumination and confocal detection. Synchronization and intensity modulation of a dual illumination scheme were provided using a custom microcontroller for a laser beam block and constant current LED driver. Therefore, single whole cell photosynthetic efficiency, and subcellular (diffraction limited) photosynthetic efficiency measurement modes are permitted. Wide field rapid light scanning actinic illumination is provided for both by an intensity modulated 470 nm LED. For the whole cell photosynthetic efficiency measurement, the same LED provides saturating pulses for generating photosynthetic induction curves. For the subcellular photosynthetic efficiency measurement, a switched through objective 488 nm laser provides saturating pulses for generating photosynthetic induction curves. A second near IR LED is employed to generate dark adapted states in the system under study. |
| Use: Optical detection system for spectroscopic interrogation of cell structures of simple plants such as algae. |
| Advantage: Creates a device capable of measuring the changes in photosynthetic efficiency such as fraction of light energy converted into chemical energy during photosynthesis in single cells of plant matter induced by changes in environmental factors related to growth and development by employing a combination of intensity modulated LED trans-illumination with synchronized through-objective laser illumination and confocal detection. |
| Novelty: The system has optics control module (30) having microprocessor (17) in electrical communication with a data acquisition (DAQ) recorder (13) and with a charged coupled diode (CCD) camera (21). The control and operation of the first and second light source shutters (40,50) are performed by microprocessor. The light source shutter in is electrical communication with first illumination source control, while second light source is in electrical communication with second illumination source control. A translatable microscope stage (25) positions a sample of plant matter under the objective lens. |
| Filed: 9/15/2011 |
| Application Number: US13233343A |
| Tech ID: SD 11738.1 |
| This invention was made with Government support under Contract No. DE-NA0003525 awarded by the United States Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security Administration. The Government has certain rights in the invention. |
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