11.11.2024 • NewsMicroscopyAdditive manufacturing

Modular system for optical imaging from the 3D printer

Modern microscopy and spectroscopy methods for as many users as possible.

Professor Thorben Cordes and his doctoral student Gabriel Moya Muñoz developed the “Brick-MIC” microscopy platform, in which most components can be manufactured cost-effectively using 3D printing and flexibly combined with one another. The results of the work were recently published and the team has applied for a patent.

With the “Brick-MIC” microscopy platform, most components can be produced...
With the “Brick-MIC” microscopy platform, most components can be produced cost-effectively using 3D printing and flexibly combined with each other (Source: TU Dortmund / G. Moya Muñoz)

Modern light microscopes and spectroscopic methods are essential tools in the life sciences, biotechnology and medical applications, for example for molecular investigations. In order to further increase their sensitivity and selectivity, both methods and instruments are constantly being further developed in specialized laboratories. However, it often takes several years before the new technologies are actually available to users in the life sciences or in a clinical environment. Cordes’ working group has therefore developed a concept in which all components for the construction of optical microscopy or spectroscopy methods can be manufactured using 3D printing and flexibly combined with each other – like building with Lego bricks.

The low-cost open source system should make it possible to realize different modalities for special experiments by simply exchanging the various components. The scientists have tested their system for the use of various highly sensitive fluorescence microscopy techniques – including single-molecule detection and high-resolution optical microscopy – which normally require expensive equipment with investment costs of over 100,000 euros.

Cordes’ research group has already carried out tests together with a team from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem led by professor Eitan Lerner. The scientists were able to develop a flow cytometry method based on a Brick-MIC that enables direct virus detection in liquids.

Cordes and Moya Muñoz are currently working together with industrial partners to further develop the Brick-MIC platform. Cordes says: “We expect a wide range of applications in the field of academic and industrial research: from fluorescence imaging in pharmacy to medical cell research methods such as tumor marking to the monitoring of ecosystems through on-site sample analysis.”

Reference: G. G. Moya Muñoz et al.: Single-molecule detection and super-resolution imaging with a portable and adaptable 3D-printed microscopy platform (Brick-MIC), Science Advances 10(39), 25 Sep 2024; DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado3427

Company

Technische Universität Dortmund


44221 Dortmund
Germany

Company contact







SPS Atlanta

A New Era of Smart Manufacturing Begins

A New Era of Smart Manufacturing Begins

The inaugural SPS – Smart Production Solutions Atlanta starts soon, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of the SPS brand

PhotonicsViews

PhotonicsViews September 2025 available now!

PhotonicsViews September 2025 available now!

The new issue of the PhotonicsViews is available. Read the September 2025 issue for free as PDF or E-Paper.

most read

Photo
07.07.2025 • News

Quantum technologies on the rise

World of Quantum 2025 in Munich recorded impressive growth with 160 exhibitors from 16 countries and over 22,000 visitors from 41 countries.

Photo
10.06.2025 • NewsMachine Vision

The winners of the inspect award 2025

This time, with two additional categories, “SMEs” and “Artificial Intelligence,” the selection was even larger than usual. But now they have been chosen: the machine vision products of the year 2025.