Our research axes

Moving from 2D to 3D analysis of biological samples represents a central but non-trivial step both in questioning the biological functions and in setting up the specific imaging and quantification strategies. Our platform also specializes in the analysis of the dynamics and interactions of macromolecules by using fluorescent techniques based on optogenetics, lifetime, correlation spectroscopies, resonance energy transfer, evanescent excitation and others. Our users are trained to be autonomous (acquisition and analysis) and encouraged to share their knowledge and scripts in the spirit of trans-project network through regular meetings, trainings and workshops, (going up to multi-team funding applications) in order to establish a strong community.

One of the major cornerstones of our R&D in microscopy is the integration of adaptive optics on a confocal microscope to improve in-depth 3D imaging of spheroids, organoids, embryos and mouse organs in parallel with the integration of new optical clearing protocols or even through microfluidic devices to study these complex objects. Combining it to a miniaturized light sheet will result in a first integrated trans-scale adaptive imager. Another ongoing project aims at building an original microscope that would enable to control and follow in real time a biochemical reaction on living cells thanks to the combination of patterned illumination and fast life-time imaging. This proof of concept, instrumental development and technology transfer activity is facilitated by close collaboration with our partners from the Interdisciplinary Physics Laboratory (LIPhy, UGA-CNRS), Institut Génomique de Rennes (IGdR, UMR University of Rennes, CNRS) and industrial companies Nikon and Inscoper.