Figure 2: The Nano-J fluidics system allows to easily multiplex STORM and DNA paint imaging without having to move the sample sample. On the left, we see a time-based representation of the protocol using 4 different pumps. On the right, the final merged image obtained. Taken from Almanda 2019 (10.1038/s41467-019-09231-9)

Figure 3: The system also allows event based microscopy : here for instance mitosis imaging. Once the rounding of the cells is detected, the fixation and labelling process is triggered, and a new round of imaging follows. Taken from Almanda 2019 (10.1038/s41467-019-09231-9)

A Lego syringe pump system, what for?

All the interest of the technique resides in the fact that you can change the medium of your cells with just a click on your computer. This allows to perform complex experiments that would be tedious for the user.

You can use this system to simply perform live to fixed cells experiments or multiplexing DNA paints imaging without moving your sample. In this last case, Nano-J fluidics allows a quick change of the fluorescent DNA strands while keeping the cells in view. This also comes handy for super resolution imaging.

To me however, the main interest of this system is the possibility to make event-based microscopy. The team here gives the simple example of mitosis imaging: when the rounding of the cells is detected, the fixation protocol is triggered and the cells are fixed in their status. But more specific experiments, based on the detection of other cells actions can be imagined.

Figure 4: Schematic of the pump system. Each pump is assembled with a syringe and a pump based on Lego bricks. Several pumps can be assembled and are controlled by an Arduino system connected to a computer. Taken from Almanda 2019 (10.1038/s41467-019-09231-9)

Figure 5: A pump array of 8 pumps easily fits in the microscopy room and a pump can even be installed in the incubator to keep the medium at 37°C. Taken from Almanda 2019 (10.1038/s41467-019-09231-9)