WO2008069355A1

WO2008069355A1 - Improved magnetic chamber for microscope

Info

Publication number: WO2008069355A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/005323
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yong Jin Lee
Original assignee: Yong Jin Lee
Priority date: 2006-12-08
Filing date: 2006-12-08
Publication date: 2008-06-12

Abstract

A magnetic chamber for a microscope is provided. The magnetic chamber includes a specimen glass on which a specimen is disposed, a specimen mount having a specimen seat through which the specimen glass is inserted and a through-hole formed at a center of the specimen seat, and formed of a magnetically responsive material, a chamber body having a through-hole formed at its center and a magnetic unit, and a sealing unit for forming a sealed space between the specimen glass and the chamber body, wherein the specimen mount and the chamber body are magnetically coupled with each other with the specimen glass and the sealing unit interposed therebetween, and an outer periphery of the specimen mount projects beyond an outer periphery of the chamber body.

Description

Description IMPROVED MAGNETIC CHAMBER FOR MICROSCOPE

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a magnetic chamber for a microscope, and more particularly, to an improved magnetic chamber, components of which are coupled with each other by a magnetic force, fixed to a stage, and capable of performing direct heat transfer. Background Art

[2] A stage, one of components of a microscope, is a plate on which a specimen- mounted slide is disposed. When there is a need to maintain a specimen s life for a certain time in order to observe a live specimen, a specimen chamber is mounted and used on a stage of a microscope. Specifically, after seeding a cell on a transparent glass plate such as a cover glass or a slide glass in order to observe the cell using a microscope, the glass plate is mounted into the chamber to observe the cell using the microscope. At this time, a culture fluid should be filled into a well formed by coupling the glass plate with the chamber, simultaneously mounting the glass plate into the chamber, since the cell will die instantly if there is no culture fluid.

[3] For this purpose, the chamber has a well shape into which a culture fluid can be filled. In most cases, the glass plate is coupled with the chamber to form a well with an O-ring or a gasket interposed therebetween. Then, a hook or a screw is used to couple the glass plate with the chamber (that is, a hook coupling or a screw coupling is used), thereby forming the well.

[4] In the case of the hook coupling, a chamber body has a stepped recess and a through-hole formed at its center, and a plurality of hooks formed at its upper surface; a plurality of glass plates and an O-ring are inserted into the recess of the chamber body; and a body coupling part has a plurality of grooves formed at its outer periphery coupled with the hooks of the chamber body and an aperture formed at its center.

[5] In the case of the screw coupling, a chamber body has a stepped recess and a through-hole formed at its center and a female-threaded part formed at a sidewall of the recess; a glass plate and an O-ring are inserted into the chamber body; and a body coupling part has a male-threaded part formed at its outer periphery to be engaged with the female-threaded part of the chamber body and an aperture formed at its center.

[6] Since the chamber of the hook or screw coupling is coupled with an upper part thereof by the hook or the screw, the glass plate and so on may be damaged due to vibration of the hook coupling or an overpressure of the screw coupling. In addition, since the hook or screw coupling is sequentially assembled at an upper side thereof, the number of components to be assembled or disassembled is too much to enable rapid mounting of a specimen. As a result, a cell on the glass plate may be excessively exposed to an environment without any culture fluid, thereby exerting a negative influence on the cell s life, i.e. the cell may die.

[7] Meanwhile, using a multi-well chamber having a plurality of wells makes it possible to cultivate a cell and observe the cell during cultivation using a microscope. In addition, after cultivation and observation, it is possible to remove a plastic wall and dye the cell.

[8] However, since the multi-well chamber is very expensive and disposable, it is costly to repeatedly perform tests. In addition, in order to dye the cell after the cultivation, a specific tool has to be used to remove the wall. In particular, a specific adhesive agent used to fix the plastic wall to a slide may damage the slide or the cell when the plastic wall is removed, even though the specific tool is used to remove the wall.

[9] Moreover, when used for live cell imaging, a temperature control has to be performed. However, when a disposable multi-well chamber formed of a plastic material is used, the temperature on a heating plate cannot be transferred well, and thus it is very difficult to image the heat sensitive cell through the microscope. Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[10] The present invention is directed to an improved magnetic chamber for a microscope capable of readily coupling a specimen mount with a chamber body using a magnetic force, fixing vertical and horizontal movement of the chamber when it is fixed to a stage, and directly performing heat transfer from a heating stage. Technical Solution

[11] One aspect of the present invention provides a magnetic chamber for a microscope including: a specimen glass on which a specimen is disposed; a specimen mount having a specimen seat through which the specimen glass is inserted and a through- hole formed at a center of the specimen seat, and formed of a magnetically responsive material; a chamber body having a through-hole formed at its center and magnetic means; and sealing means for forming a sealed space between the specimen glass and the chamber body, wherein the specimen mount and the chamber body are magnetically coupled with each other with the specimen glass and the sealing means interposed therebetween, and an outer periphery of the specimen mount projects beyond an outer periphery of the chamber body.

[12] The magnetic chamber may further include a transparent cover, and the transparent cover may be disposed on one surface of the chamber body opposite to a surface of the chamber body coupled with the specimen mount. In addition, the chamber body may include a flange formed at an outer periphery thereof opposite to a surface of the chamber body coupled with the specimen mount.

[13] In addition, one surface of the specimen mount opposite to a surface of the specimen mount coupled with the chamber body may be in contact with a stage of the microscope. Further, one surface of the specimen mount opposite to a surface of the specimen mount coupled with the chamber body may be in contact with a heating stage.

[14] The specimen mount may be formed of an iron plate.

[15] In addition, the chamber body may include a plurality of magnets around the through-hole, a ring-shaped magnet installed at a surface thereof coupled with the specimen mount, or a disk-shaped magnet installed at the surface thereof coupled with the specimen mount and having an opening corresponding to the through-hole.

[16] Another aspect of the present invention provides a magnetic chamber for a microscope including: a plurality of specimen glasses on which each specimen is disposed; a specimen mount having a plurality of specimen seats through which the plurality of specimen glasses are inserted, respectively, and a plurality of through-holes formed at centers of the specimen seats, respectively, and formed of a magnetically responsive material; a plurality of chamber bodies, each having a through-hole formed at its center and magnetic means; and a plurality of sealing means for forming sealed spaces between the plurality of specimen glasses and the plurality of chamber bodies, wherein the specimen mount and the plurality of chamber bodies are magnetically coupled with each other with the plurality of specimen glasses and the plurality of sealing means interposed therebetween.

[17] In addition, each of the chamber bodies may include a flange formed at an outer periphery thereof opposite to a surface of the chamber body coupled with the specimen mount. Further, one surface of the specimen mount opposite to a surface of the specimen mount coupled with the plurality of chamber bodies may be in contact with a stage of the microscope. Furthermore, the specimen mount may be formed of an iron plate.

[18] Moreover, each of the chamber bodies may include a plurality of magnets around the through-hole, a ring-shaped magnet installed at a surface thereof coupled with the specimen mount, or a disk-shaped magnet installed at the surface thereof coupled with the specimen mount and having an opening corresponding to the through-hole.

Advantageous Effects

[19] As described above, since a specimen mount and a chamber body are readily coupled with each other using a magnetic force and the specimen mount is formed of a magnetically responsive material, it is possible to prevent horizontal movement of the specimen mount on which a specimen is disposed, and thus precisely observe the specimen. [20] In addition, since the specimen mount is larger than the chamber body such that the specimen mount is directly mounted on a stage, rather than fixing the magnetic chamber to the stage using a body seat projecting downward from the chamber body, it is possible to prevent vertical movement of the magnetic chamber and thus precisely observe the specimen. [21] Further, since the specimen mount formed of a heat transferable material is directly mounted on the stage, rather than mounting the magnetic chamber on the stage using a body seat projecting downward from the chamber body, it is possible to control a temperature of the specimen through direct heat transfer using a heating stage. [22] Furthermore, since the specimen mount is magnetically coupled with the chamber body, the specimen mount is larger than the chamber body, and a flange is formed at an upper periphery of the chamber body, it is possible to readily separate the chamber body from the specimen mount.

Brief Description of the Drawings [23] FIG. 1 is an exploded top perspective view of a magnetic chamber in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [24] FIG. 2 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the magnetic chamber in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; [25] FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the magnetic chamber shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, components of which are assembled; [26] FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of the magnetic chamber shown in FIGS. 1 and

2, components of which are assembled;

[27] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a chamber body having a ring-shaped magnet;

[28] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a chamber body having a disk-shaped magnet with an opening at its center; [29] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the magnetic chamber disposed on a heating stage in accordance with the present invention; and [30] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a magnetic chamber in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Mode for the Invention [31] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various types. Therefore, the present exemplary embodiments are provided for complete disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform the scope of the present invention to those ordinarily skilled in the art.

[32] FIG. 1 is an exploded top perspective view of a magnetic chamber in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[33] As shown in FIG. 1, the magnetic chamber includes a specimen mount 110, a specimen glass 120, sealing means 130, a chamber body 140, and a transparent cover 150.

[34] The specimen mount 110 formed of a ring-shaped plate is disposed on a stage of a microscope. A specimen seat 111 may be recessed to form a flat groove at an upper surface of the specimen mount 110 (coupled with the chamber body 140) such that the specimen glass 120 can be seated. A through-hole 112 is formed at a center of the specimen seat 111 to introduce light from the exterior.

[35] The chamber body 140 has a cylindrical shape, and a cylindrical through-hole 141 is formed at a center part of the chamber body 140. The cylindrical through-hole 141 corresponds to a through-hole 112 of the specimen mount 110.

[36] A plurality of magnets 143, 144, 145 and 146 are inserted around the through-hole

141 of the chamber body 140. While four magnets are shown in FIG. 4, various numbers of magnets may be inserted thereinto. The magnets 143, 144, 145 and 146 may be inserted at a lower surface of the chamber body 140, i.e., a surface of the chamber body 140 coupled with the specimen mount 110. The specimen mount 110 and the chamber body 140 are coupled with each other by the magnets 143, 144, 145 and 146 inserted into the chamber body 140. Therefore, the specimen mount 110 may be formed of a magnetically responsive material, for example, an iron plate.

[37] According to the conventional art, the chamber body 140 and the specimen mount

110 were coupled with each other by a hook, a screw, or an adhesive agent. However, according to the present invention, the specimen mount 110 is formed of a magnetically responsive iron plate, and so on, and the chamber body can be readily coupled with the specimen mount. In addition, since the specimen mount 110 is formed of a magnetically responsive iron (or the like) plate, a magnetic field is evenly applied to the specimen mount to prevent horizontal movement of the chamber body, thereby maintaining the chamber body in a stationary manner.

[38] It may be necessary to separate the chamber body 140 from the specimen mount

110 during a test using the magnetic chamber. However, in the conventional art, since a hook, a screw, or an adhesive agent is used to couple the chamber body 140 and the specimen mount 110, it is difficult to separate them. Therefore, in order to readily separate the chamber body 140 from the specimen mount 110 after coupling the chamber body 140 with the specimen mount 110 using a magnetic force, a flange 142 may be formed at an upper periphery of the chamber body 140. [39] In addition, a conventional magnetic chamber has a structure in which a chamber body surrounds a specimen mount. In this structure, it is very troublesome to assemble and disassemble the chamber body and the specimen mount. Therefore, the present invention provides a new structure in which the specimen mount 110 projects beyond an outer periphery of the chamber body 140. That is, since the chamber body 140 is disposed on the specimen mount 110, in order to readily adjust a position of the chamber body 140, the chamber body 140 may be smaller than the specimen mount 110 when seen from a plan view.

[40] The specimen glass 120 on which a specimen is disposed may be fixedly inserted into a specimen seat 111 of the specimen mount 110. The specimen glass 120 may be formed of a transparent material such as glass. The specimen glass may be formed in various shapes such as a rectangular shape, in addition to a circular shape.

[41] The sealing means 130 is adhered to a lower periphery of the through-hole 141 of the chamber body 140 and an upper surface of the specimen glass 120 to form a sealed space when the chamber body 140 is coupled with the specimen mount 110. The sealing means 130 may be formed of an elastic material, preferably, a silicon material in consideration of characteristics of the microscope. The sealing means 130 may use an O-ring. While the magnetic chamber shown in FIG. 1 having a cylindrical shape and a circular through-hole may include an O-ring, various shapes of sealing means such as a rectangular shaped ring may be used depending on a shape of the through- hole.

[42] The transparent cover 150 is disposed on the chamber body 140 to seal an upper part of the through-hole 141 of the chamber body 140. The transparent cover 150 may be formed of a transparent material such as glass to allow observation of the specimen through the through-hole 141 from the exterior. A stepped recess may be formed on an upper surface of the chamber body 140 such that the transparent cover 150 can be disposed thereon.

[43] As described above, while the chamber body 140 and the specimen mount 110 are formed in a circular shape, various shapes such as rectangular, oval, etc., may be used. That is, it may be possible to use different shapes, for example, a circular specimen mount 110 and a rectangular chamber body 140.

[44] FIG. 2 is an exploded bottom perspective view of the magnetic chamber in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[45] As shown in FIG. 2, a stepped recess may be formed at a lower center of the chamber body 140 to correspond to the sealing means. The recess may have a depth smaller than a thickness of the sealing means 130 such that the sealing means 130 projects from the chamber body 140 by a predetermined height even after inserting the sealing means 130 into the recess, thereby elastically adhering the sealing means 130 to the specimen glass 120.

[46] FIGS. 3 and 4 are a top perspective view and a bottom perspective view of the magnetic chamber shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, components of which are assembled.

[47] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the transparent cover 150 disposed on an upper surface of the chamber body 140, and the specimen mount 110 is coupled with a lower part of the chamber body 140 by a magnetic force. While the conventional chamber body is fixed to the stage at the body seat projecting downward therefrom, the specimen mount in accordance with the present invention is directly disposed on the stage. Therefore, it is possible to prevent vertical movement of the specimen glass on which a specimen is disposed, and stably fix the specimen glass to the specimen mount and the stage.

[48] In order for a user to use the magnetic chamber in accordance with the present invention, after mounting a specimen on the specimen glass 120, the specimen glass 120 is fixedly inserted into the specimen seat 111 of the specimen mount 110. Then, when the chamber body 140 is disposed on the specimen mount 110, the specimen mount 110 is coupled with the chamber body 140 by the magnets 143, 144, 145 and 146 inserted into the chamber body 140.

[49] Since the sealing means 130 is inserted between the chamber body 140 and the specimen mount 110, the sealing means 130 is elastically coupled with the specimen glass 120 to seal a space between a side surface and a lower part of the through hole 141 of the chamber body 140. Then, the transparent cover 150 is adhered to the chamber body 140 to form the sealed space in the through-hole 141 of the chamber body 140.

[50] In addition, as shown in FIG. 3, since the specimen mount 110 is larger than the chamber body 140, a periphery of the specimen mount 110 projects beyond an outer periphery of the chamber body 140. Therefore, the chamber body 140 can be more stably mounted on the specimen mount 110 and more stably separated therefrom.

[51] FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of a chamber body having various shapes of magnets. As shown in FIG. 5, a ring-shaped magnet may be installed at a surface of the chamber body 140 engaged with the specimen mount 110. In addition, as shown in FIG. 6, a disk-shaped magnet having an aperture corresponding to the through-hole 141 may be installed at a surface of the chamber body 140 engaged with the specimen mount 110. Of course, various shapes of magnets may be installed at the chamber body 140, in addition to the magnets shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Further, various magnetic means formed of various materials may be installed at the chamber body 140.

[52] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the magnetic chamber disposed on a heating stage

200 in accordance with the present invention. The heating stage 200 may include a recess 210 for accommodating the specimen mount 110. In order to control a temperature of the heating stage 200, a controller 220 is connected thereto. [53] The conventional magnetic chamber has the structure in which the chamber body is in direct contact with the stage making it difficult to transfer heat to the specimen mount on which a specimen is actually disposed, such that the specimen cannot be heated. However, because the magnetic chamber in accordance with the present invention is directly disposed on the stage, and the specimen mount is formed of a heat transferable metal material such as an iron plate, it is possible to heat the specimen disposed on the specimen glass mounted on the specimen mount and perform a temperature control.

[54] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a magnetic chamber in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[55] As shown in FIG. 8, a plurality of chamber bodies 340 may be coupled with a single specimen mount 310, rather than one-to-one coupling of the specimen mount 110 and the chamber body 140. Therefore, the specimen mount 310 is a large rectangular plate having a plurality of specimen seats and through-holes. While only one chamber body 340 is shown in FIG. 8 for an illustrative purpose, a plurality of chamber bodies, sealing means, and specimen glasses may be coupled with the plurality of specimen mounts, respectively.

[56] When the plurality of chamber bodies are used in the single specimen mount, it is possible to simultaneously perform observation and cultivation of cells, and cell dye after the cultivation. In addition, it is also possible to form the specimen mount in a stage shape and directly install a heater or the like therein.

[57] While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

[1] A magnetic chamber for a microscope, comprising: a specimen glass on which a specimen is disposed; a specimen mount having a specimen seat through which the specimen glass is inserted and a through-hole formed at a center of the specimen seat, and formed of a magnetically responsive material; a chamber body having a through-hole formed at its center and magnetic means; and sealing means for forming a sealed space between the specimen glass and the chamber body, wherein the specimen mount and the chamber body are magnetically coupled with each other with the specimen glass and the sealing means interposed therebetween, and an outer periphery of the specimen mount projects beyond an outer periphery of the chamber body.

[2] The magnetic chamber for a microscope according to claim 1, further comprising a transparent cover, the transparent cover being disposed on one surface of the chamber body opposite to a surface of the chamber body coupled with the specimen mount.

[3] The magnetic chamber for a microscope according to claim 1, wherein the chamber body comprises a flange formed at an outer periphery thereof opposite to a surface of the chamber body coupled with the specimen mount.

[4] The magnetic chamber for a microscope according to claim 1, wherein one surface of the specimen mount opposite to a surface of the specimen mount coupled with the chamber body is in contact with a stage of the microscope.

[5] The magnetic chamber for a microscope according to claim 1, wherein one surface of the specimen mount opposite to a surface of the specimen mount coupled with the chamber body is in contact with a heating stage.

[6] The magnetic chamber for a microscope according to claim 1, wherein the specimen mount is formed of an iron plate.

[7] The magnetic chamber for a microscope according to claim 1, wherein the chamber body comprises a plurality of magnets around the through-hole.

[8] The magnetic chamber for a microscope according to claim 1, wherein the chamber body comprises a ring-shaped magnet installed at a surface thereof coupled with the specimen mount.

[9] The magnetic chamber for a microscope according to claim 1, wherein the chamber body comprises a disk-shaped magnet installed at a surface thereof coupled with the specimen mount and having an opening corresponding to the through-hole.

[10] A magnetic chamber for a microscope, comprising: a plurality of specimen glasses on which each specimen is disposed; a specimen mount having a plurality of specimen seats through which the plurality of specimen glasses are inserted, respectively, and a plurality of through-holes formed at centers of the specimen seats, respectively, and formed of a magnetically responsive material; a plurality of chamber bodies, each having a through-hole formed at its center and magnetic means; and a plurality of sealing means for forming sealed spaces between the plurality of specimen glasses and the plurality of chamber bodies, wherein the specimen mount and the plurality of chamber bodies are magnetically coupled with each other with the plurality of specimen glasses and the plurality of sealing means interposed therebetween.

[11] The magnetic chamber for a microscope according to claim 10, wherein each of the chamber bodies comprises a flange formed at an outer periphery thereof opposite to a surface of the chamber body coupled with the specimen mount.

[12] The magnetic chamber for a microscope according to claim 10, wherein one surface of the specimen mount opposite to a surface of the specimen mount coupled with the chamber bodies is in contact with a stage of the microscope.

[13] The magnetic chamber for a microscope according to claim 10, wherein the specimen mount is formed of an iron plate.

[14] The magnetic chamber for a microscope according to claim 10, wherein each of the chamber bodies comprises a plurality of magnets around the through-hole.

[15] The magnetic chamber for a microscope according to claim 10, wherein each of the chamber bodies comprises a ring-shaped magnet installed at a surface thereof coupled with the specimen mount.

[16] The magnetic chamber for a microscope according to claim 10, wherein each of the chamber bodies comprises a disk-shaped magnet installed at a surface thereof coupled with the specimen mount and having an opening corresponding to the through-hole.