It is almost impossible to image the inside of a living cell without damaging it, even with the most modern devices. Traditional microscopy techniques require researchers to prepare their samples well in advance (1–72 hours). These procedures are likely to be invasive to the cells (risk of cell damage and cell stress). The 3D Cell Explorer was created using a disruptive technology which, for the first time, allows users to explore instantly the inside of a living cell in 3D without the need for any labeling or other invasive methods.

Similar to computer tomography for human bodies

Just like computer tomography (CT) for human bodies, the 3D Cell Explorer can make a complete tomographic data set of the living cell. This happens instantly and without any harm to the live cell.

The 3D Cell Explorer’s technology is unique worldwide. It allows determining how light propagates through the cell. By this means, one can measure the cell’s physical properties, i. e. the refractive index (RI). The result is quantitative cell tomography, in vitro without any invasion or sample preparation.