In the DFG-funded TomoFlow project, the novel SLIDE technology is being explored in an innovative application that combines the outstanding properties of SLIDE microscopy with the advantages of imaging flow cytometry.

Classical two-photon microscopy enables high-resolution imaging even in scattering or turbid media such as blood. Here, raster scanning is used to excite the imaging area. However, the galvanometric scanners used for this are limited in speed due to mechanical inertia. The innovative SLIDE technology offers a significant speed advantage through inertia-free scanning. By combining a laser that can be rapidly tuned in wavelength and a diffraction grating, frame rates of up to 4 kHz can be achieved. In the TomoFlow project, flow chips adapted to the optical properties of the imaging technology are being developed to explore the imaging of cells in flow using SLIDE technology. The special design of the flow chips and the flow of cells will be used to generate three-dimensional images of larger cells, cell clusters and organoids. This is then used to obtain information about their structural composition and morphology.

The areas of application for the innovative TomoFlow method are extremely diverse. For example, it can be used in drug discovery, whole blood analysis or tumour detection in neurosurgical aspirates. TomoFlow thus opens up new possibilities for high-resolution, three-dimensional imaging of cells in flow and can help to expand our knowledge in the field of life sciences and medical diagnostics.