MagnEspScope - DIY microscope with integrated magnetic system for magnetogenetic studies

Abstract

Magnetogenetics is a promising field of biology devoted to the manipulation of biological objects by magnetic fields, where magnetic nanoparticles usually act as actuators. However, studying the response of biological objects is hampered by the fact that microscopes are usually made of ferromagnetic materials, making it difficult to work with them in powerful magnetic fields. This article focuses on building a DIY 3d printed microscope based on the ESPressoscope platform, integrated into a gradient magnetic system of permanent magnets. The article reveals the design, choice of materials and, using the example of cellular spheroids saturated with magnetic nanoparticles, demonstrates the application of MagnEspScope for the observation of magnetophoresis of biological objects.