Imagine trying to feel how hard or soft a tiny cell is without actually touching it, because touching it might kill it or change its behavior. This technology uses light like a tiny, invisible finger to map the stiffness of living tissues in 3D. It turns a process that used to take hours into something that happens in less than a second, allowing us to watch diseases develop in real-time.
Current methods for measuring cell stiffness are either too slow (taking hours), invasive (requiring contact), or lack 3D resolution. This prevents the real-time study of living cells and the progression of protein-based diseases.
A fast-scan Brillouin Microscope add-on featuring RF cavities for heterodyne detection. Deliverables include a simulated fast scanning system and a ready RF cavity for the IVBM.
If you are a drug discovery firm dealing with slow screening of protein aggregation—this project developed an In-Vivo Brillouin Microscope that measures viscoelastic properties at a sub-second timescale. This allows for faster validation of how drugs affect the mechanical properties of living cells.
If you are an equipment manufacturer dealing with the lack of non-invasive 3D mechanical imaging—this project developed an add-on for microscopes similar to a laser scanning confocal head. This enables the sale of a new module that provides label-free, contact-free mechanical mapping.
If you are a research lab dealing with the inability to observe real-time phase transitions in living matter—this project developed a fast-scan microscope with sub-millisecond acquisition. This provides a tool to study the mechanical cues of pathological settings in vivo.
Based on available project data, the specific commercial price is not listed, though the EU contribution for development is EUR 3,868,938.
The project aims to develop the tool as an add-on for existing microscopes, such as laser scanning confocal heads, which suggests a modular path to industrial integration.
Based on available project data, the current status is in the development phase (TRL2 to TRL4), and specific licensing terms have not been disclosed.
The project aims to reduce acquisition time from hours to a sub-second timescale, specifically targeting sub-millisecond acquisition for in-vivo measurements.
It is designed as an add-on for microscopes, utilizing RF cavities to modulate light for heterodyne detection.
The consortium consists of 6 partners across 4 countries, showing a strong academic lean with 4 universities and 1 research institute. However, there is a critical industrial presence (17% industry ratio), indicating a bridge between fundamental physics and commercial application, led by the Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia.
Contact Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia regarding the IVBM-4PAP project
Contact us to explore licensing opportunities for high-speed Brillouin microscopy.
