Objective
Histology is the microscopic examination of cell tissue samples and is routinely performed in research labs and, more widely, in hospitals for the early detection of diseases (histopathology). Histology is a complex process requiring several steps for the tissue sample preparation. The most demanding and time-consuming step is the microtomy, where the tissue sample, now dehydrated and placed inside a piece of paraffin wax, is cut into slices 4-micrometre thick. This step is further complicated by the fact that the thin slices become wrinkled with the cutting and are normally put on warm water in order to smooth out (the with the aggravated problems of rehydrating the cells and increasing the risk of cross-contamination). Microtomy is a labour-intensive procedure carried out by highly-skilled clinical/scientific staff. A skilled operator can perform up to 80 samples a day, but will cost well over €100,000 p.a. The MicroLean project proposes a low-cost automation of the microtomy process by a contactless manipulation of the samples. The MicroLean system will be retrofittable to existing microtomes.
Fields of science
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
FP7-SME-2013
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Funding Scheme
BSG-SME - Research for SMEsCoordinator
SY16 4LE NEWTOWN
United Kingdom
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Participants (11)
GU10 1DW TONGHAM
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PR2 9YW PRESTON
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Participation ended
HP4 1EH Berkhamsted Hertfordshire
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Participation ended
08830 SANT BOI DE LLOBREGAT
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91126 SCHWABACH
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CF24 0DE Cardiff
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NG32 3LT WELBY GRANTHAM
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08940 Cornella De Llobregat Barcelona
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08760 Martorell
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5580AA WAALRE
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1119 BUDAPEST
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