Label-Free Nanoparticle Microscopy for Your Benchtop

While installing CytoViva, Inc microscope systems in nano-research labs around the world, we are always amazed at how excited the Ph.D students and PostDocs are to finally have an instrument that allows them to easily observe nanoscale samples right from their benchtop. Many Ph.D students focused on nanotechnology research rarely have an opportunity to observe their samples except for the occasional trip to the electron microscopy center. This is an issue that can limit their performance and serve to slow the advancement of nanotechnology research. While the biology research world has long taken for granted having easy access to fluorescence microscopes designed for their work, most nanotechnology development labs are not aware that the same capability is available for them.?

CytoViva, Inc provides the capability for nano-research labs around the world to acquire the ability to easily observe their samples with our patented enhanced darkfield microscope system. This microscope system is designed to sit on the benchtop in your nanotechnology lab and allow fast imaging of nanomaterials in a wide range of environments, without any required special sample preparation. This can include nanomaterials in a wide range of biological and materials-based matrices. The system includes a research-grade microscope frame and is equipped with high numerical aperture objectives optimized for enhanced darkfield microscopy. A high-resolution color optical camera is typically included allowing the capture of both still images and videos of your samples (see the system shown in Figure 1).

The key element of this nanoscale imaging system is CytoViva, Inc ’s patented enhanced darkfield condenser optics. These optics fit onto the microscope condenser mount and connect to a broadband light source via a liquid light guide. They are designed to produce highly structured oblique angle illumination that allows scatter from nanoparticles and other sample elements to be easily observed against a very dark background. A diagram of the light path of these optics is shown in Figure 2.?

To demonstrate how effectively the system can image nanoscale samples in both biological and materials-based environments, see the examples above. In Figure 3, an image of gold nanoparticles internalized by macrophage cells is shown. In this image, the scattering of the gold nanoparticles in the cells is clearly visible when compared to the control cells in Figure 4. The internalized nanoparticles appear as green, gold, or red depending on aggregation in the cells.?

To illustrate imaging nanomaterials in a materials science environment, carbon fibers coated with carbon nanotubes are shown in Figure 5.

This carbon nanotube coating on the carbon fibers appears as “whiskers” across the fiber sample, and in this image, the fiber appears to be homogeneously covered with the nanotubes. When looking at an image of the carbon fiber not functionalized with the nanotubes in Figure 6, the fiber appears smooth, which serves to clearly illustrate the differences between the nanotube-coated fiber and the uncoated fiber sample.

The CytoViva, Inc system represents a low-cost method to allow everyone in your nano research lab to quickly and easily observe their samples on a daily basis. The cost of this system is similar to a basic fluorescence microscope used in biology labs. As shown in the images above, a wide range of different types of samples can be observed with the system. CytoViva can also equip the enhanced darkfield microscope with a fluorescence imaging capability and a hyperspectral imaging system. Hyperspectral imaging will allow for spectral characterization of your samples by capturing the optical spectrum in each pixel of the image.

To learn more and see if the CytoViva system can help your laboratory, please contact us at [email protected]. We will be pleased to discuss your research and confirm whether the system can support your efforts.

Visit also the?Schaefer Technologie GmbH?Website, Learn More about Different Products from CytoViva and Book a Demo Today:?CytoViva | Nanoparticles | Schaefer Group (schaefer-tec.com).