The miCube
Fluorescence microscopy is an extremely powerful and versatile technique contributing to many areas of the life sciences. Especially variants featuring the ability to monitor single-molecule fluorescence, however, require sophisticated instrumentation that is either very expensive when bought commercially (>> 100 kEuro) or demands extensive expertise in optics and engineering.
Here we present an open and modular hardware framework aiming for
- cost effectiveness: build your own starting at 20k Euro (~100k Euro for state of the art capabilities)
- modularity: all parts can be accessed and replaced by the user
- simplicity: set up the microscope in a few hours without prior knowledge
- customizability: confocal or widefield/TIRF microscopy,…
- openness: part lists and drawings will be made available
- stability and throughput: minimizing drift and utilise well plate scanners
miCube components
The miCube consists of roughly 30 components (see exploded view of the miCube below), which can all be 3D printed from plastic, CNC milled from aluminium, or commercially bought. Because no commercial components are used where these are not necessary, the price of the miCube is kept low. Go to the component list for a detailed view of all components, along with their availability and price.
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