New ultra-compact microscope enables real-time continuous monitoring
Researchers at the University of Barcelona have developed a miniature microscope, the size of a chip, based on microelectronic technologies. This innovative device represents a paradigm shift, as it can be connected directly to the sample, unlike conventional microscopes that require the sample to be transported to the device each time it is to be examined. In addition, it also allows real-time monitoring and simultaneous analysis of several samples while maintaining their culture conditions.
Researchers at the University of Barcelona have developed a miniature microscope, the size of a chip, based on microelectronic technologies. This innovative device represents a paradigm shift, as it can be connected directly to the sample, unlike conventional microscopes that require the sample to be transported to the device each time it is to be examined. In addition, it also allows real-time monitoring and simultaneous analysis of several samples while maintaining their culture conditions.
"This unique technology could have a transformative impact on everything from biomedical research and drug development to the control of water quality or the wine production process", says Ángel Dieguez, coordinator of the project and professor at the Department of Electronic and Biomedical Engineering of the UB's Faculty of Physics and member of the UB Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB).