Crestoptics and Tomocube unveil breakthrough HT-X1 Plus for advanced 3D imaging

CrestOptics S.p.A., a leading manufacturer of high-end microscopy systems, has joined forces with Tomocube, a pioneer in holotomography technology, to launch the HT-X1 Plus, an advanced multimodal imaging platform. This innovative system integrates CrestOptics’ spinning disk confocal technology with Tomocube’s cutting-edge holotomography, offering researchers an unparalleled ability to combine label-free 3D imaging with fluorescence-based detection in a single device.

This strategic collaboration marks a significant step forward in microscopy, addressing the growing demand for non-invasive, high-resolution imaging workflows. By leveraging both fluorescence and holotomography, the HT-X1 Plus provides deep insights into molecular distributions within cells and tissues, advancing life sciences research.

Merging technologies to redefine microscopy

The HT-X1 Plus integrates two powerful imaging modalities. Tomocube’s holotomography uses low-power visible light to illuminate live cells from various angles, measuring the refractive index as imaging contrast. This allows for high-resolution, 3D visualisation of living cells and tissues without the need for staining or labelling.

CrestOptics’ spinning disk confocal technology complements this by providing high-speed, sensitive fluorescence imaging. Together, the two systems create a seamless platform for researchers to simultaneously acquire label-free holotomographic data and fluorescence-based 3D imaging, minimising photodamage while maximising precision.

The HT-X1 Plus offers researchers precision alignment of holotomography and fluorescence datasets, enabling them to study molecular structures and phenotypic traits side by side. This breakthrough facilitates detailed analysis of complex biological systems and supports advanced applications in biophysics, molecular biology, and cell biology.

Experts highlight the innovation

Dr Alessandra Scarpellini, Chief Commercial Officer at CrestOptics, emphasised the platform’s importance in advancing non-invasive imaging. She noted that the HT-X1 Plus enables researchers to access more complete molecular and phenotypic data without requiring labelling or staining, describing the platform as a groundbreaking tool for correlative light microscopy. She added that the collaboration reflects CrestOptics’ commitment to driving innovation in life sciences research.

Dr Sumin Lee, Vice President of Customer Development at Tomocube, shared similar enthusiasm, highlighting the growing demand for a system that combines label-free holotomography with fluorescence imaging. He characterised the HT-X1 Plus as a milestone in microscopy, delivering unprecedented resolution and sensitivity for 3D imaging applications.

Paving the way for future discoveries

The HT-X1 Plus represents a major leap forward in the field of biophysical imaging. By integrating holotomography and fluorescence-based microscopy into a single platform, it offers researchers a powerful tool for studying live cells and tissues with unmatched precision. This breakthrough redefines what is possible in life sciences, empowering scientists to explore new frontiers in cellular and molecular research.