Project description
A more accessible and high-performance MINFLUX microscope
The introduction of MINFLUX, a cutting-edge super-resolution microscopy technology capable of precisely localising single fluorophores and enabling single-particle tracking and structural imaging, has given researchers a powerful tool with the potential for breakthroughs across multiple fields. However, the complexity and manufacturing challenges of MINFLUX microscopes have made them costly and inaccessible to many researchers. The ERC-funded PhaseFLUX project aims to develop a novel MINFLUX concept and prototype with reduced complexity and fewer components, lowering costs while enhancing robustness and performance. Instead of relying on physical movement, the project will achieve this by using a fast variable phase plate to shift the zero position within the point-spread function, streamlining the technology and improving accessibility.
Objective
MINFLUX is a novel super-resolution microscopy technology that localizes single fluorophores with extraordinary precision and enables structural imaging and single particle tracking with unprecedented spatiotemporal resolution. It can monitor conformational changes of proteins in living cells, which has the potential to revolutionize dynamic structural biology. Current MINFLUX microscopes however are complex and difficult to build, and the only commercial instrument is costly and has reduced functionality, thus access to this groundbreaking technology is limited.
To enable widespread use of MINFLUX, we propose PhaseFLUX, a novel MINFLUX concept that reduces complexity by moving the zero position within the point-spread function, instead of physical movement. This innovative approach employs a fast variable phase plate consisting of only a few simple components, leading to significantly lower costs, higher robustness, and superior performance compared to existing instruments.
Our project aims to develop a PhaseFLUX microscope prototype including 3D and multi-color capabilities. It will serve as a basis for potential commercialization, where the PhaseFLUX design promises reduced production and service costs, higher stability, higher performance and extended functionality.
Building on our extensive expertise in super-resolution microscopy and collaborations with leading experts, we will focus on developing, validating, and demonstrating the PhaseFLUX prototype, paving the way for broader adoption and impactful biological discoveries. Additionally, we will analyze the intellectual property landscape to explore viable commercialization routes, ensuring this breakthrough technology benefits the wider scientific community.
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 super resolution microscopy
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
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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)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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.
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-2024-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.
1010 Wien
Austria
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.