Significance: Gene expression analysis is an important fundamental area of biomedical research. However, live gene expression imaging has proven challenging due to constraints in conventional optical devices and fluorescent reporters. Aim: Our aim is to develop smaller, more cost-effective, and versatile imaging capabilities compared with conventional devices. Bioluminescence reporter-based gene expression analysis was targeted due to its advantages over fluorescence-based imaging. Approach: We created a small compact imaging system using micro-CMOS image sensors (μCIS). The μCIS model had an improved pixel design and a patterned absorption filter array to detect the low light intensity of bioluminescence. Results: The device demonstrated lower dark current, lower temporal noise, and higher sensitivity compared with previous designs. The filter array enabled us to subtract dark current drift and attain a clearer light signal. These improvements allowed us to measure bioluminescence reporter-based gene expression in living mammalian cells. Conclusion: Using our μCIS system for bioluminescence imaging in the future, the device can be implanted in vivo for simultaneous gene expression imaging, behavioral analysis, and optogenetic modulation.

中文翻译：

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用于基于生物发光报告基因的活基因表达分析的超小型紧凑型 CMOS 成像系统

意义：基因表达分析是生物医学研究的重要基础领域。然而，由于传统光学设备和荧光报告基因的限制，活基因表达成像已被证明具有挑战性。目标：与传统设备相比，我们的目标是开发更小、更具成本效益和多功能的成像功能。基于生物发光报告基因的基因表达分析因其优于基于荧光的成像而成为目标。方法：我们使用微型 CMOS 图像传感器 (μCIS) 创建了一个小型紧凑型成像系统。μCIS 模型具有改进的像素设计和图案化吸收滤波器阵列，用于检测生物发光的低光强度。结果：与之前的设计相比，该设备表现出更低的暗电流、更低的时间噪声和更高的灵敏度。滤波器阵列使我们能够减去暗电流漂移并获得更清晰的光信号。这些改进使我们能够测量活哺乳动物细胞中基于生物发光报告基因的基因表达。结论：未来使用我们的 μCIS 系统进行生物发光成像，该设备可以植入体内进行同步基因表达成像、行为分析和光遗传学调制。