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 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.
Laboratory System
Compact Setup
NeuroDeep v1.0 is a compact microscopy system, easily movable within the lab, allowing integration into different research setups to support a variety of study designs.
Co-developed with Users
Created in close collaboration with experts from neuroscience and biomedical research, the compact system is fast, easy to operate and reliable.
Technical Specifications
If you want to explore, how holographic endoscopy can support your research project, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We are happy to provide more detailed technical information, brainstorm and discuss.
Discover what has never been seen
Real-time recording of active neuron structures during insertion of a NeuroDeep probe, visible on the user interface.
- Study in anesthetized mouse model (Thy1-GFP line).
- Depth 5mm – level of the amygdala
- FOV approx. 100x 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.
Scientific Background
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 Endoscopy
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.
Publications
2012
2015
2018
2018
2023
Advanced Neuroimaging
Central Brains
Neurological diseases often take effect in the deepest brain compartments. Hair-thin endoscopes can be routinely used for in-vivo imaging in brain regions such as the Amygdala and Thalamus.
Real-time
Real time imaging during the insertion of the fibre probe ensures that the intended location is addressed successfully. This minimises the risk of time loss due to wrong placement of the imaging instrument.
Optogenetic
Use a wide spectrum of dyes to make neural activity visible. Staining methods for calcium imaging and photostimulation can be employed.
Subcellular
Hair-thin endoscopes can achieve images with submicron resolution. Microscopic processes such as neuron connectivity, the movement of cell organelles or the blood flow can be observed.
Our Mission
DeepEn provides laboratories with powerful tools to study the deepest regions of the brain. Our mission is to support researchers in discovering, developing and applying the tools for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of brain disorders.
News
ThExAward 2022
Yesterday, DeepEn was awarded 2nd place in the Startup/Foundation category of the #ThExAward2022 competition in Erfurt. The ThEx Award - the Thuringian Startup Award - is the most prestigious award for successful founders and startups in Thuringia. In addition to the...
MEDICA exhibition 2022
DeepEn on the road for the first time at a major trade show! After a long resting period due to the global pandemic, the world's biggest trade fair of the medical industry, MEDICA, was held again in Düsseldorf from November 14-17, 2022. With 17 giant exhibition halls,...
Visiting life science clusters in Japan
Last week, DeepEn Business Specialist Patrick Westermann spent a full week in Japan, visiting the life science clusters around Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe. Though DeepEn is still in the pre-seed phase, housed in the facilities of Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology,...
Meet our Team
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DeepEn is funded by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action and the European Social Fund as part of the EXIST program.
DeepEn is a research transfer project from Leibniz-Institute of Photonic Technologies
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