"EMU: Slide scanner SLIDEVIEW VS200 with high resolution optical resources in bright field, dark field and fluorescence."

• Grant number: 23/17275-4
• Support Opportunities: Research Infrastructure Program - Small Medium Sized
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Dentistry
• Principal Investigator: Fabio Daumas Nunes
• Grantee: Fabio Daumas Nunes
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Odontologia (FO). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Fernando Neves Nogueira ; Luciana Corrêa ; Marília Trierveiler Martins ; Suzana Cantanhede Orsini Machado de Sousa

Abstract

Our proposal refers to the acquisition of a SLIDEVIEW VS200 slide scanner from Olympus. This equipment employs optical microscopy to capture high-resolution images using methods such as brightfield, fluorescence, polarization, and darkfield. Its advanced technology, including focus mapping, closed-loop system, and X Line objectives, ensures precision and efficiency in the scanning process. Automatic specimen recognition limits scanning to specific areas, reducing the required time and ensuring color fidelity. Scanning a tissue section with an area of 15 mm × 15 mm in brightfield takes an average total scanning time of approximately 1 minute and 45 seconds at 20x. The VS200 has a modular platform that can be expanded according to customer needs. The current proposal includes five trays with a capacity for 6 slides each (totaling 30 standard-sized slides of 26 × 76mm). Given the scanning speed and features like automatic focus and tray recognition, this capacity aligns with expectations to meet research demands.The integrated darkfield tubular ring is particularly useful for transparent samples, while additional objectives like the 40x and 100x immersion, automatic oil dispenser system, and anti-vibration table expand analysis possibilities. The equipment also allows polarization analysis. The default fluorescence option on the VS200 enables the observation of seven independent channels during a single scan. The current proposal includes the acquisition of four filters for the DAPI, TRITC/Cy3, FITC, and Cy5 channels. The accompanying software allows analysis in the native format as well as conversion to various file formats.The potential impact of this project on research and innovation in São Paulo is significant. The digitization of histological slides is a growing trend, as evidenced by the exponential increase in publications on "Whole Slide Imaging" in recent years. The use of WSI benefits researchers in various fields, fostering international collaboration due to ease of sharing. The proposed project not only modernizes histopathology research methods but also contributes to the creation of large image repositories, essential for studies related to artificial intelligence and machine learning. The acquisition of the proposed scanner and software promotes innovation in tissue analysis, enabling advances in understanding biomarkers, diagnostics, and prognostics, with the potential for a significant impact on the quality and effectiveness of research conducted in the state of São Paulo. We believe that the acquisition of this equipment and the offer of the scanning service for histological and cytological sections could benefit numerous public and private research institutions in São Paulo and in the surrounding cities. (AU)