This technology, GRIN-SCAPE, is a high-speed microscopy approach for imaging deep 3D tissue dynamics in awake, freely behaving animals that combines Swept, Confocally-Aligned Planar Excitation (SCAPE) microscopy with a Graded-Index (GRIN) lens.
Current live tissue imaging approaches are limited to either two-dimensional detection of single cell types in a plane, or mounted camera recordings that captures a limited volume of tissue. 2D imaging captures a limited volume of tissue, making cell identification challenging. There is an unmet need for 3D live imaging technology that can more accurately capture cell-cell interactions and the dynamic nature of neuronal signaling.
This technology, GRIN-SCAPE, is a microscopy approach combining gradient index (GRIN) lenses with high-speed 3D microscopy to improve the spatial resolution and specificity of in vivo imaging. The system is designed to reduce light loss between objectives, allowing for higher resolution deep tissue imaging. For example, single cells and fine processes can be imaged in a cleared intact whole brain sample, allowing for a large 3D field of view through several layers of brain tissue. This platform therefore allows for in vivo 3D imaging of cell populations in their native tissue environment.
This technology has been validated with in vivo mouse models.
Elizabeth M. C. Hillman, Ph.D.
Patent Pending (US20240085681)
IR CU21327
Licensing Contact: Kristin Neuman