Smallest Ever Mini Fluorescence Microscope

Fluorescence microscopes are bulky instruments used to perform live cell imaging. But their size, restrictions on number of experiments they can be used for alongside the need to move each individual sample under the lens (requiring crew time) makes them unsuitable for space. Moreover none of the existing models can be accommodated on an on-board centrifuge to perform experiments in microgravity, or various gravity analyses.
To overcome these limitations and perform live cells imaging, by bringing the microscope function to the cells, shrinking the instrument and ma king it possible to study the gravity sensing thresholds of living cells.

A new activity with TDE and Kayser Italia, Italy, has developed the smallest possible Mini Fluorescence Microscope (MFM) to perform these studies as well as being able to help understand the effects of Moon and Mars gravity on intercellular mechanisms. One aim of the activity was to build an MFM that would fit into experiment containers already being used on the ISS, such as BIOLABS, which opens a large spectrum of investigations. 

 In the future, 16 MFM could be accommodated in a static position or eight on the centrifuge, meaning that 24 experiments can be run in parallel, with no crew intervention.  

This challenging activity resulted in the production of a breadboard which underwent extensive testing. The optical system and the Cell culture chambers are tightly integrated in the required volume, just 8x2x4 cm, while the electronics sit outside for testing and troubleshooting. The electronics will be integrated in a future activity on a chip within the remaining space of the container.

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