Laser capture microdissection method and apparatus

Abstract

Systems and methods for laser capture microdissection are disclosed. One method incorporates the step of changing the beam diameter of the laser to adjust the size of the activated area of the transfer film and as a result, the size of the at least one microdissected portion of the sample adhered to the transfer film. Changing the beam diameter while operating the laser in idle mode permits the user to visualize the spot on the desired portion of the tissue sample and simultaneously increase or decrease the beam spot to optimally match the beam spot size with the portion of the tissue to be extracted. This method advantageously provides increased accuracy in microdissection and reduced heating of the tissue sample.

1 . A method for laser capture microdissection, comprising: 
 providing a laser source for emitting a laser beam along a laser beam path, the laser beam having a beam diameter;    providing a sample;    providing a transfer film;    juxtaposing the sample with the transfer film;    identifying at least one portion of the sample;    aligning the laser beam path with the at least one portion of the sample;    activating an area of the transfer film adjacent to the least one portion of the sample;    adhering the transfer film to the at least one portion of the sample adjacent to the activated area of the transfer film;    changing the beam diameter of the laser beam to adjust the size of the activated area of the transfer film and resulting size of the at least one portion of the sample adhered to the transfer film;    transferring the at least one portion of the sample to the transfer film.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of aligning the laser beam path with the at least one portion of the sample includes aligning the laser beam path while operating the laser in idle mode.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of changing the beam diameter follows the step of aligning a laser beam path and precedes the steps of activating an area and adhering the transfer film.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of activating an area of the transfer film follows the step of changing the beam diameter.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of changing the beam diameter includes changing the beam diameter while operating the laser in idle mode.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step activating an area of the transfer film includes operating the laser beam in pulse mode.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of juxtaposing the sample with the transfer film includes contacting the transfer film to the sample.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of juxtaposing the sample with the transfer film includes keeping the transfer film spaced from the top surface of the sample.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of providing a transfer film includes providing a transfer film attached to a substrate.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of changing the beam diameter includes increasing or decreasing the beam diameter.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of changing the beam diameter includes focusing or defocusing the laser beam.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the step of aligning the laser beam path follows the step of changing the beam diameter.