Object Carrier for Microscopy, Method of Making Same and Method of Measuring Therewith

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention relates to an improved object carrier (slide) for microscopy that incorporates at least one microelectrode positioned in an 'island-like' manner on a non-conductive (or non-conductively coated) plate-shaped substrate. This design enables simultaneous optical and electrical measurements or stimulation on samples, such as individual cells, by letting a measuring tip contact the microelectrode to transmit or receive electrical signals. The invention also describes a precise, focused-ion-beam-based method for manufacturing these carriers, allowing both additive and subtractive micro/nanofabrication of electrodes and features.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Simultaneous electrical and optical measurement of biological cells (e.g., neuron, cardiac cell, or retinal cell activity) for research and diagnostics.
• Live cell imaging combined with electrical stimulation to observe cellular responses in real time.
• Pharmaceutical drug testing to study cell responses under electrical stimulation while monitoring morphology changes.
• Chronic or long-term cell culture monitoring in incubators with multi-modal analysis.
• Micro/nanoscale electrical probing and optical microscopy of small or single biological or non-biological samples (e.g., nanowires, pigment-containing materials).
• Development of advanced lab-on-chip or biosensor devices integrating electrical and optical testing methods.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables high-resolution, simultaneous optical and electrical measurements at or below single-cell level, not available with existing carriers.
• Improved optical accessibility due to absence of surface electrodes or tracks obstructing the field of view.
• Highly customizable electrode placement and geometry (including pillar-like structures) for targeting specific sample types or research needs.
• Minimized sample disturbance and noise, due to innovative electrode design and choice of biocompatible/coated materials.
• Manufacturing method allows precise, site-specific fabrication using focused ion beams, facilitating the creation of custom features, including through-substrate contacts.
• Suitable for long-term studies, including use in incubators, due to stability and durable material choices.
• Can be adapted for a variety of microscopy techniques (fluorescence, SEM, TIRF, light-sheet, etc.) and various sample types.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to an object carrier for microscopy (1) comprising an essentially plate-shaped substrate (2) which is non-conductive or at least coated with a non-conductive material wherein at least one microelectrode (4) is placed insular on the substrate (2) that can be contacted via a measuring tip (6) for the transmission of electrical signals.The invention further relates to a method for the manufacture of an object carrier for microscopy (1) mentioned above, the method comprisinga) providing the plate-shaped substrate (2)b) modification of the surface structure of the substrate (2) by at least one additive and/or subtractive manufacturing step by means of a focused ion beam.