Modular system for optical imaging from the 3D printer

A team of researchers, led by Prof. Thorben Cordes, has developed a new microscopy platform called “Brick-MIC”, which aims to make access to modern microscopy and spectroscopy techniques much easier. Brick-MIC relies on components that can be produced cost-effectively using 3D printing, providing a flexible solution for a wide range of scientific applications. The results of this work were recently published in the journal Science Advances.

Modern light microscopes are essential for investigations in the life sciences and medicine, but new technologies in this field often take years to develop before they become widely available. Brick-MIC addresses this problem by providing a modular, open-source system that allows the optical components to be changed quickly and easily. As a result, various microscopy techniques such as single molecule detection and high-resolution fluorescence microscopy can be implemented cost-effectively and flexibly. This could, for example, make it easier for hospitals to access advanced detection methods for viruses and bacteria.

Gabriel Moya says: “The quality of the data and images from Brick-MIC is comparable to that of microscopes that are specially designed for the technology in question. However, these are very expensive to buy commercially – or you have to be a specialist in optical techniques and build the microscope yourself. With Brick-MIC, we can establish a wide range of state-of-the-art microscopy techniques for users at low cost, including single-molecule detection and high-resolution optical microscopy. This could also give hospitals, for example, access to novel methods for the direct detection of viruses, bacteria or disease markers.”

A special feature of Brick-MIC is its ease of use: no tools are required to assemble the components. The system is also optimized for use in high-security laboratories or for field research, as it is handy and robust. The platform has already been successfully tested for direct virus detection, including a method for the rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 in liquids.

Prof. Thorben Cordes and his team are currently working on further applications for Brick-MIC, both in academic research and in industrial areas. Prof. 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 labeling to the monitoring of ecosystems through on-site sample analysis.”