Apr 15 2016
Nanolive is planning to launch a new microscope, also know as the 3D Cell Explorer, on December 14. This new microscope will help to observe living cells in 3D. For the very first time, this invention will enable researchers to examine the inside of living cells without causing any damage to them. Preventing the cells from being stained, and eliminating the need to develop the sample far in advance. The invention will be displayed for the first time at the world’s biggest cellular biology conference in San Diego, U.S.
Comparison mitosis under 3D microscope
The 3D Cell Explorer will help to enhance the understanding of the working of cells. It has custom designed software, allowing users to color different parts of a living cell and then observe the cells behavior and reactions in real time, at a resolution of 200 nanometers. This is three times smaller than what is offered by existing microscopes. The 3D Cell Explorer has the same operating functions as an MRI scanner. It is capable of taking images at varied depths in the cell, which is then reorganized by the Explorer with the help of its smart holographic software. This software has the ability to tint varied parts of the scanned cell according to its refractive index.
Medically assisted procreation
At present, the success rate of medically assisted procreation is about 30%, and this rate helps to enhance the new microscope. The only method currently used to observe eggs and spermatozoids with the same resolution is staining them, and this kills the cells. It is not possible to study the outcome if all of these cells are put into contact. This issue will be solved by the 3D Cell Explorer, which is capable of observing in detail the different parts of the ovules and spermatozoids. This analysis is carried out before, during and after the parts contact each other. This kind of longitudinal study will be beneficial for a wide range of research fields, including histopathology, cell therapy, stem cells, and cancer.
Two years ago, Nanolive was launched based on a technology invented by its founder Yann Cotte, during his doctoral studies at EPFL. Since then, the company has grown with the help of crowdfunding and some start-up funds. This new microscope will be purchased by Universities and pharmaceutical, cosmetics, medtech and biotech companies, as well as others.
Nanolive is currently developing applications that can be used by doctors, and these applications are expected to be launched to the market in the medium term. This microscope will help to speed up laboratory tests like the smear test conducted for uterine cancer.
The human body contains 210 types of cells that differ in the structure of the cell envelope and their morphology. Our microscope can distinguish between all these features.
Lisa Pollaro, Head of Communications, Nanolive