Next Generation Histology method for scalable 3D multiplexed mapping of tissues

Overview

Histology is the microscopic study of tissues. It defines diseases and biology. Current methods limited doctors and scientists' views on tissues to 2D and 1 stain at a time. Next Generation Histology allows scalable 3D tissues views with >20 molecular markers at once. This greatly improves diagnostic accuracies and accelerates research.

  • Next Generation Histology method for scalable 3D multiplexed mapping of tissues 0
  • Next Generation Histology method for scalable 3D multiplexed mapping of tissues 1
  • Next Generation Histology method for scalable 3D multiplexed mapping of tissues 2
Commercialisation opportunities
Exclusive licensing Illumos Limited in progress.
Problem addressed

Current method of tissue diagnostics is laborious and low-yielding. It gives 2D images with only 1 stain at a time, forcing doctors to make important decisions based on limited information. It also impedes research such as drug discovery processes.

Innovation
  • We used supramolecular chemistry and boron clusters to achieve homogeneous, deeply penetrating 3D tissue staining in a multiplexed manner.
  • We then turn the tissue transparent to achieve rapid, non-destructive scanning of tissues with a laser light-sheet microscope.
Key impact
  • Provides infinitely better information than current tissue diagnostics and research methods.
  • Scalable and at equivalent costs compared to current methods, fully automatable and hence saves labours.
  • In contrast to current histology, the tisuse is not physically cut and hence not destroyed.
  • Simultaneously achieves digitalization, bridging the gap to image analyses and AI diagnostics, while producing a new type of big data.
Award
  • 48th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, Gold Medal with Congratulations of The Jury.
Application
  • Tissue diagnostics for all diseases where biopsies and surgeries are involved.
  • Biomedical research on all organisms and diseases.

Patent

  • Non-provisional USPTO patent application filed
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)

Founded in 1963, The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) is a forward-looking comprehensive research university with a global vision and a mission to combine tradition with modernity, and to bring together China and the West. CUHK teachers and students hail from all around the world. Four Nobel laureates are associated with the university, and it is the only tertiary institution in Hong Kong with recipients of the Nobel Prize, Turing Award, Fields Medal and Veblen Prize sitting as faculty in residence. CUHK graduates are connected worldwide through an extensive alumni network. CUHK undertakes a wide range of research programmes in many subject areas, and strives to provide scope for all academic staff to undertake consultancy and collaborative projects with industry. 

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