Russian scientists have created a new installation for ultra-precise cell research

Scientists from the St. Petersburg National Research University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics (ITMO), together with an industrial partner, have developed an installation that allows them to independently obtain information about microbiological and cellular experiments with high accuracy. The device combines two methods of studying matter — atomic force microscopy and Raman spectroscopy.

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The installation automatically analyzes the data obtained during the experiments using the built-in software. Atomic force microscopy using a nanometer needle allows you to "feel" the surface of a material and build a 3D map of its relief.

Raman spectroscopy determines the chemical composition of a substance by how it scatters laser radiation. Usually, two separate devices are used for this, which is expensive and time—consuming. The combination of two methods in one device allows you to simultaneously see the composition and shape of a substance, increases the accuracy and quality of the data obtained and makes it possible to guarantee research in the local area of interest.

"The device can be used to measure the mechanical properties of the cell membrane, conduct chemical analysis, monitor the quality of cell cultures, and study cell interactions with biomaterials. All this helps to study the properties of materials and the features of their modeling, gives an idea of how these materials interact with biological systems. This information is useful in the development of materials for biological applications, such as creating biocompatible coatings on implants, drug delivery systems, and growing tissues and organs," said Alexey Meshkov, chief developer of the project and researcher at the ITMO Scientific and Educational Center for Infochemistry.

The device is housed in a portable chemical cube for conducting experiments with cells and bacteria, a fully automated mini—laboratory that was built at ITMO in 2023. There is a robotic arm inside that replaces the laboratory assistant and allows you to automate some of the experiments on the installation, which increases the accuracy of experiments.

Read more in the exclusive Izvestia article:

Science in a cube: an installation for ultra-precise cell research has been created in the Russian Federation