Inverted wide-field fluorescence microscope (renewal)

• Subject Area: Analytical Chemistry
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 584885099

The proposed measure aims at a comprehensive modernization of an existing inverted widefield fluorescence microscope into a high-performance, motorized research platform for high-resolution optical analysis of biological samples. Through this upgrade, the system will be capable of reliably and reproducibly addressing complex spatial, temporal, and spectral questions in the life sciences. A central component of the modernization is the renewal of the control and analysis infrastructure, enabling automated multidimensional imaging. This includes three-dimensional image stacks, large-area tiled scans, and time-resolved measurements, which are particularly important for investigating dynamic processes in cells, tissues, and biomaterials. The enhanced software environment allows precise control of all motorized components as well as advanced data analysis methods for the quantitative evaluation of complex image datasets. To significantly improve resolution and contrast, the microscope will be equipped with structured illumination technology. In combination with computational reconstruction methods, this approach enables optical sectioning with increased detail fidelity and reduces out-of-focus signals. As a result, fine subcellular structures and weakly fluorescent signals can be captured with much higher precision. Another focus of the upgrade is the expansion of fluorescence capabilities. A multichannel light source covering the spectral range from ultraviolet to near-infrared allows the simultaneous excitation and detection of multiple fluorescence markers. This enables multicolor experiments, which are essential for analyzing complex biological systems and for the concurrent observation of different molecular processes. The upgraded detection unit offers high sensitivity, high spatial resolution, and rapid image acquisition, making it suitable for time-critical and dynamic measurements. Overall, the proposed upgrade will create a multimodal, future-proof widefield fluorescence microscope of the upper performance class. The modernized infrastructure provides a central foundation for innovative research in the life sciences, supports interdisciplinary projects, and establishes the methodological basis for new experimental approaches with high scientific and societal relevance.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Inverses Weitfeld-Fluoreszenzmikroskop (Erneuerung)
• Instrumentation Group: 5000 Labormikroskope
• Applicant Institution: Hochschule Reutlingen
• Leader: Professor Dr. Ralf Kemkemer