Project description
Add-on microscopy device for microscale chemical gradient mapping via local refractive index measurements
The study of microscale chemical gradients is fundamental to advancements in a diverse array of scientific disciplines, including materials science, chemical engineering, and the life sciences. However, research is hindered by current measurement methods that rely on fluorophores or dyes. These alter system properties and offer only indirect insights. In this context, the ERC-funded RIO project aims to develop an add-on device for optical microscopes. Called the Refractive Index Observer, it will enable label-free, high-resolution characterisation of microscale chemical gradients without current constraints. The project will develop the required parts and technologies, optimise the software and control systems, conduct tests, and improve the accuracy and efficiency.
Objective
Microscale chemical gradients are essential in life sciences, materials science, and chemical processes, yet existing measurement methods rely on fluorophores or dyes that inherently alter system properties and provide only indirect insights.
With this PoC, we aim to revolutionize their quantification by further developing and ultimately commercializing RIO - the Refractive Index Observer - an add-on device for optical microscopes that enables label-free, high-resolution characterization of chemical gradients at the microscale.
The technology uses Fabry-Pérot interferometry to obtain time-resolved two-dimensional (2D) refractive index (RI) maps at the microscale and convert this information into chemical gradient mapping. With a resolution of at least 2x10-5 RI units, RIO is comparable to a benchtop refractometer for bulk samples but with the spatial resolution of a typical optical microscope and a 10-millisecond time resolution. RIO is born out of the ERC CoG “ACTIVE_ADAPTIVE” as a tool to measure chemical gradients in active matter systems. We have already patented the technology, which is at TRL4. With this PoC we aim at taking RIO to TRL6/7 and lay the groundwork for its commercialization by:
1. Developing the current hardware to (i) push the time resolution to sub-millisecond while maintaining the highest RI resolution and (ii) create a palette of customized interferometric microfluidic chips to cover a broad range of application fields.
2. Advancing the control system and software via a robust, professional and intuitive graphical user interface (GUI).
3. Conducting a techno-economic assessment of the technology alongside a product-market fit evaluation.
4. Carrying out user testing and fundraising for pre-commercialization.
If successfully implemented, RIO has the potential to disrupt the way microscopy is performed on liquid samples across a wide range of disciplines, including electrochemistry, microrobotics, cell biology, and materials science.
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 computer and information sciences software
- natural sciences chemical sciences electrochemistry
- natural sciences physical sciences optics microscopy
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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)
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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-2025-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.
8092 Zuerich
Switzerland
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.