Microendoscopy

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NeuroDeep®

The world’s first hair-thin fluorescence microscope.

The NeuroDeep v1.0 laboratory setup applies advanced holographic techniques to resolve microscopic images through a hair-thin objective (⌀100μm). The endoscopic imaging probe can be inserted into living brain tissue to observe processes and structures at submicron level of detail. The NeuroDeep laboratory setup for microendoscopy is ideally suited for in-vivo fluorescence imaging of deep brain regions in a uniquely atraumatic manner and with minimal impact on the brain’s natural activity. The instrument is a powerful tool for neuroscience, biomedical and pharma laboratories.

1 | Maintain Natural Brain Functions

The endoscope probe is 100 microns in diameter, but stable enough to penetrate into deep brain regions.

2 | Observe Deep Structures

Thanks to innovative probe design, the tissue along the fibre insertion path can be imaged with high accuracy.

3 | Precise Navigation

As soon as a structure or process of interest is identified on the screen, it can be examined more closely.

4 | Great Detail

Structures and processes smaller than a micrometre can be resolved. Here, dendritic spines are clearly observable.

High Resolution / High Speed

Recordings_from_NeuroDeep_high-speed_high-resolution

In-vivo recording of fluorescently labelled neurons in Thy1-GFP line mouse up to amygdala level through a 110 μm single-fibre:

(A) NeuroDeep lowers the probe through a craniotomy, penetrating the animal model’s brain without bending. (B) On the way down, neuronal structures in the fibre facet’s field-of-view can be recorded in real-time. (C) High resolution—slow frame rate: Submicrometric features, such as dendritic spines, can be imaged. (D) Lower resolution – fast frame rate: A population of 11 neurons is recorded simultaneously at an imaging rate sufficient for neuronal activity monitoring studies. (E) An image of the entire length of the insertion path was reconstructed in post-processing.

Discover what has never been seen – with microendoscopy.

Real-time recording of active neuron structures during insertion of a NeuroDeep probe, visible on the user interface.

Study in anaesthetised mouse model (Thy1-GFP line).
Depth 5 mm – level of the amygdala
Field of view: approx. 100×100 μm

Advantages for Researchers

Minimal tissue damage

The small diameter of the holographic endoscope reduces the negative impact on natural brain functions and shortens the recovery time after surgery.

Subcellular resolution

Structural changes and activity of subcellular structures such as synapses, dendritic spines and axons are visualized in real time.

Deep penetration

In vivo microscopy in the deepest brain regions becomes possible, which is currently only feasible ex vivo in postmortem brain slices.

Connectivity in Action

Continuous imaging on the way into the brain – recordings from a 100µm NeuroDeep objective, inserted into the brain of an anaesthetised mouse model with dynamic refocusing.

Neuroscientific Background

In-vivo imaging through single Fibres

Holographic endoscope technology is an impactful innovation from the field of Neurophotonics. It is based on years of rigorous research conducted at renowned institutes, and was validated for deep-brain imaging in multiple independent laboratories.

Holographic Microendoscopy

In medicine and neuroscience, a large endoscopic probe size can cause considerable limitations and complications, such as bleeding and damages to internal organs. The hair-thin endoscope addresses this issue by utilising the narrowest possible channel able to transfer image information – a single multimode optical fibre. Our approach uses computer-controlled holographic modulators and principles of digital holography. Thanks to this breakthrough innovation, the complex light propagation through the medium of the fibre can be characterised and tailored to deliver advanced microscopy at the end of the minuscule probe.