Bridging the gap

Our solutions enable researchers and clinicians to bridge the gap between existing in situ macroscopic and in vivo microscopic techniques. To succeed in the endeavor where others have failed, we have assembled a team of experts in different domains including biology, medicine, optics, image processing, mathematics and computer engineering. A key factor in our success to this point has been a constant and constructive dialogue with the people who use our products.

Current macroscopic in situ imaging technologies (MRI, CT, PET, cytometrics, bioluminescence, fluorescence tomography, high-resolution ultrasound, SPECT) are only capable of producing images at resolutions between 30 microns and 3 mm. This range of resolution, while largely acceptable for a vast array of applications, is insufficient for cellular level imaging.

On the other side of the equation, we find two primary types of microscopy. The vast majority of microscopes, whether conventional or confocal, are limited for use with cell cultures or ex vivo tissue samples. The tiny fraction of microscopes that are dedicated to in vivo use, and that can function inside the living organism, are called intravital microscopes. These apparatus are cumbersome, difficult to put into use and restricted for research use on small animals. They also require a very delicate and specific preparation of the animal which includes installing a window on the animals body whereby the microscope’s objective can look though it into the body.

Mauna Kea’s solution bridges the gap between the imprecise resolution of current macroscopic imaging technologies and the highly-invasive microscopic techniques currently available. We do this by uniting the raw power of a confocal laser scanning unit with the flexibility of ultra-thin fibered microprobes.

This winning combination enables imaging cellular microstructure details as small as 2.5 mm via a microprobe that can be as thin as 300 microns in diameter. For the first time, you can perform high-definition smooth motion video imaging, in real-time, in any part of the living organism, and with no or minimal damage to the surrounding tissue.

With Cellvizio’s unique characteristics, complementary nature and ease-of-use, researchers and practitioners can offer a level of diagnostic accuracy and subject/patient comfort never before seen.

Click here to learn more about Mauna Kea Technologies available products and what is at stake.

If you would like more information on Mauna Kea, please contact us at info@maunakeatech.com or by telephone on +33 1 48 24 03 45 or +1 888 590 1798.