Project description
Bioluminescence imaging microscope for biomedical research
Bioluminescence microscopy is a powerful tool for imaging biological samples without the need for an excitation laser. However, current commercial solutions have low spatiotemporal resolution due to photon-starved samples. The ERC-funded LowLiteScope project will redesign the optical path, data acquisition, and post-processing using artificial intelligence to capture high-resolution 3D images of live cells and tissues. It will use a new light field approach and deep learning models to reconstruct 3D volumes from single-exposure light field images. The project will test the prototype using photosensitive and autofluorescent samples and propose a new lens design to facilitate adoption by end users. This breakthrough in bioluminescence microscopy has the potential to significantly advance biomedical research.
Objective
Bioluminescence microscopy offers a powerful tool for background free imaging of biological samples without an excitation laser. This enabling technology would afford a wide range of applications in the life sciences, where fluorescence microscopy is prohibitive.
Currently, commercial solutions for bioluminescence imaging suffer from low spatiotemporal resolution, due to photon-starved samples. LowLiteScope aims to overcome these limitations by radically redesigning the optical path, data acquisition and post processing based on artificial intelligence.
LowliteScope leverages a new light field approach to capture the spatial and angular information of light rays that pass through the sample. In contrast to conventional light field microscope, this technique records three-dimensional images with high spatial resolution and a large depth of field. To econstruct the 3D volume from single exposure light field images, we will use new deep learning models based on artificial intelligence (WP1). The use of generalized and optics-informed deep learning techniques will also increase the spatial resolution beyond conventional light field microscopes. We will test the performance of the LowLiteScope prototype using photosensitive samples and samples with high intrinsic autofluorescence (WP2) - two properties that often render long-term, high-resolution imaging via fluorescence microscopy difficult. Ultimately, success is measured by the ease to adopt our technology. To facilitate the adoption of LowLiteScope by the enduser, we propose a new lens design, which can be used as a modular add-on to any conventional, fluorescence microscopes (WP3).
In summary, LowLiteScope marks a significant breakthrough in bioluminescence microscopy. Its ability to non-invasively capture 3D images of live cells and tissues with high precision will be an invaluable asset for the advancement of biomedical research.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
- natural sciences physical sciences optics laser physics
- natural sciences physical sciences theoretical physics particle physics photons
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) ERC-2023-POC
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
08860 Castelldefels
Spain
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.