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What can BT-mesoSPIM do?

Just like its predecessor, mesoSPIM-V5, BT-mesoSPIM is a versatile facility-grade lightsheet microscope for imaging cleared tissues.

Key features

• compatibility with all clearing techniques including CLARITY, CUBIC, and iDISCO
• dual-sided axially scanned lightsheet excitation for uniform optical sectioning across entire field of view
• large field of view (diagonal from 0.125 up to 25 mm) using new-generation sCMOS cameras
• air objectives from 0.9x up to 20x with tested field flatness and resolution:
  • Telecentric lenses: 0.9x and 1.2x
  • Mitutoyo Plan Apo objectives: 2x, 5x, 7.5x, 10x, 20x
• motorized stages with long travel range (50x50x100 mm) and sub-micron precision
• resolution up to 1.8 µm in XY and 3.5 µm in Z
• open-source hardware and software, open for modifications and upgrades
• compact system dimensions: 450x450x600 mm (excluding cables and electronics).

How much does it cost?

The budget estimate is about 100k EUR for basic configuration. You can trim it down by e.g. using fewer laser lines (or upcycling some old lasers that you have), and upgrade it later to include more lines.

What's the difference between Benchtop and Optical Table (v5) mesoSPIMs?

	Benchtop mesoSPIM	Optical Table mesoSPIM (v5)
Detection optics	Fixed high-quality lenses: 0.9x-20x	Variable magnification (zoom): 0.63x-6.3x
Sample types	Similar in size (manual lens swap for different magnification)	High variability in size (motorized magnification adjustment)
Space requirements	Minimal (lab bench)	Dedicated room
Best suited for	Labs with similar samples	Core facility with many types of samples
Approximate cost, EUR	100k	170k

Exchanging lenses on BT is straightforward but it may become cumbersome if many people with little training use the system (e.g. in core facility) and frequently swap/drop the lenses.

Is BT-mesoSPIM for me?

Open-source research microscope has its advantages and tradeoffs, depending on your values. If you are willing to spend more money but obtain the imaging data as quickly as possible, without bothering about technical aspects and customization, you should consider commercial solutions. If you want to truly own your microscope, take responsibility for its success and troubleshooting, be able to customize it to your needs, and are technically savvy, mesoSPIM is for you. It is an investment not only in hardware, but in your lab's imaging and technical expertise. This is a decision about values and mindset, not just microscope. And if you decide to go mesoSPIM, you are not alone - there is a growing community of enthusiastic owners and developers who can help you.

Do I need to be an engineer?

Definitely not. You need to be good with your hands (hex keys, screwdrivers, pliers, file, drill), know how to solder a few cables (or have a friend who does), and have access to a 3D printer (there are online services available). Opening your PC tower and inserting a few PCIe cards, as well as connecting some BNC cables to devices. No rocket science. An access to a basic machine shop can be helpful but not strictly required. You can build your practical optics skills as you assemble and align the system. The microscope is quite tolerant to mistakes, and is hard to break.

Will mesoSPIM project stay active?

Many open-source projects become abandoned when the founding author moves to a new academic position. We secured long-term development of mesoSPIM project thanks to the multi-year grant URPP Adaptive Brain Circuits in Development and Learning URPP AdaBD, which started in 2021. Learn more about our team. So, don't worry, we will stay around.

Where do I start?

Check our assembly overview and bill of materials. Once you made your mind and have the budget, start ordering parts - depending on vendor, lead times up to 8 weeks can be expected.

The detailed assembly instructions are available through menu on the right.

Enjoy!