Market consultation advanced inverted fluorescence microscope

Description

Introduction Within the University of Groningen (UG), at the Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, the Pharmaceutical Analysis Group studies cell behaviour and nanoparticle dynamics in physiologically relevant microenvironments, with a particular focus on microfluidic devices and hydrogel-based platforms. A central aspect of this research is the ability to engineer precisely defined biochemical and physical microenvironments at the sub-micron scale, and to observe how cells and particles respond to these environments over time. To address the research questions arising in this context, an advanced inverted fluorescence microscope is required, capable of supporting both high-precision imaging and laser patterning of microenvironments, long-term live imaging of dim fluorescent samples across extended timescales of 24 hours or more, and real-time closed-loop experiment control, where imaging data must be processed and acted upon during acquisition rather than after the fact. To enable sub-micron laser photopatterning, the microscope must support stable and validated integration with the Alveole Primo2 system, a laser-based photopatterning module which will be available in the group. Together, these requirements place stringent demands on the optical performance, mechanical stability, and computational capabilities of the microscope. Please see the market consultation document for further information.