PME SPECIAL SEMINAR: Intelligent Image Activated Cell Sorting

A fundamental challenge of biology is to understand the vast heterogeneity of cells, particularly the link between their spatial architecture and physiological function. However, conventional technologies such as fluorescence-activated cell sorting and the Coulter counter fall short in revealing these connections. In this presentation, I will introduce Intelligent Image-Activated Cell Sorting, a groundbreaking technology that enables real-time, intelligent, image-based sorting of cells at an unprecedented rate of >1000 cells per second (Nitta et al, Cell 2018; Nitta et al, Nat. Commun. 2020; Mikami et al, Nat. Commun. 2020). This technology integrates high-throughput optical imaging, cell focusing, cell sorting, and deep learning within a hybrid software-hardware data-management infrastructure. This integration facilitates real-time automated operations, including data acquisition, data processing, intelligent decision-making, and actuation. I will demonstrate its novel applications across various fields such as immunology, cancer biology, microbiology, sustainability, and food science.

This event welcomes participants from all backgrounds and attendance is open to all.