Nanomedicine, the therapeutic manipulation of biological processes on a molecular scale, is expected to have a significant impact on disease treatment as well as on the economy. Nanomedicine sales reached $16 billion in 2015, with over $3.8 billion in nanotechnology R&D invested each year. Evaluating the efficacy and toxicity of therapeutics on the nanometer scales inside of living cells is a major challenge for drug research and development as well as for scientists in academic research institutions. While technology exists to visualize biological dynamic processes at a resolution up to 10 nm, obtaining this technology can cost upwards of $500,000. We have developed a nanoscope at a cost of $35,000 without sacrificing resolution. Our miniSTORM paves the way for a new age of nanoscopy.
Description
MiniSTORM is a small, self-contained, portable nanoscope that is comprised of cutting-edge optical elements, sophisticated photoelectric devices, and optimized analysis platforms to achieve state-of-the-art single molecule-level imaging results. Its compact design and highly efficient active anti-vibration system can guarantee its resolution up to 10 nm without the requirement of dedicated room or optical table. Perhaps most importantly, miniSTORM is much more affordable than existing options. At only $35,000, nanoscopy can be accessible at prices over 10 times lower than existing options.
Applications
· Nanomedicine R&D
· Research on biological dynamic processes and structures on the scale of nanometers
· Enhanced detection and earlier diagnosis of disease
Advantages
· Greater than 10x lower cost than other options for super-resolution microscopy
· Reduced indirect costs; miniSTORM does not require a dedicated room, optical table, or workstation
· Resolution on the same scale or better than existing technologies
Invention Readiness
Prototype
IP Status
https://patents.google.com/patent/US11067510B2
