LED-Based Tomographic Imaging for Live-Cell Monitoring of Pancreatic Islets in Microfluidic Channels

A portable lensless imaging device combining light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and a CMOS image sensor was developed and its suitability for non-invasive live-cell in vitro monitoring of pancreatic islets was demonstrated. A microfluidic lab-on-a-chip platform containing micro wells with various depths was also fabricated and integrated into the optical sensor system, which allows for immobilization of the single islets and continuous recording of their behavior. This promising technique may provide further insight into the structure and function of pancreatic islets and their deficiencies in type 2 diabetes.