Inverted Microscope

University of Oulu, Elbuken Lab: Microfluidics and Biosensor Research Group, purchased an inverted microscope. Purpose of the investment is to monitor particle flow inside microfluidic devices that are custom-designed using microfabrication techniques. The microscope will be used to measure device dimensions, image flow profiles using fluorescent particle tracers and to record images and time lapse images. The microscope will complement the existing microscopes and will be used for long-term imaging of particle flow inside microchannels. The microscope will be used for research purposes for microfluidic system and biosensor development, e.g. . microfluidic connections are made from above for the microfluidic devices we produce. These devices are primarily made put of polymers (PDMS and PMMA) and bonded on 1mm-thick glass or PMMA. Hence, at least 5 cm working space is needed above the devices, thus an inverted microscope is needed. Both mm-scale channel features and micron-scale particle flow will be monitored, hence a range of magnification options are required to cover at least range from 2,5x to 65x. Imaging will be done using multiple cameras, including the existing high speed camera, hence multiple camera port options and simultaneous imaging from two cameras is required, one being the existing high speed camera. A color camera is needed for imaging. A high sensitivity monochromatic camera is required for fluorescent imaging. Multiple types of particles will be imaged, hence brightfield, fluorescent, polarization and DIC contrast options are needed. Phase contrast is not needed. Automated turret change is not needed. R,G,B and UV ranges should be covered for fluorescent imaging with proper light source and filter set combinations. A desktop computer with screen is available, hence the software should be installed to the existing desktop. Software is required to control the motorized capability, x-y and z direction movement. The microscope needs to be available for further upgrades, such as higher automation, confocal imaging, Raman imaging, hence an upgradable chassis is required. Expected value of the acquisition is 75.000-130.000 € (VAT 0 %). Later on, the value may be more than 215.000 € (VAT 0 %) including options and other unspecified additional costs of additional features in the future when upgrading of the microscope is needed. The future upgrades (options) do not affect the tender price comparison. Financed by European Union funds: European Research Council Executive Agency (ERCEA). EU ERC Consolidator, project name: BiNet - Particle distribution dynamics in nonlinear bifurcating networks. HORIZON ERC Grants.