The use of solid-state image sensor technology to detect and characterize live mammalian cells growing in tissue culture

Arguments are presented that approximately 30 000 cells have to be measured in a single experiment to measure radiobiological parameters in a low-dose survival assay. For this purpose, a fully automated device capable of detecting and recognizing individual live unstained mammalian cells at a rate of 1 cm2/min is required. Specifications of such a system are derived and evidence is presented which suggests that this can best be carried out using a solid-state image sensor in the form of a linear array of photodetectors. The outline of the design and other potential uses of such a device are discussed. (author)