How we helped scientists restore a device that was no longer available.

Project assignment

Producing a copy of an existing component that can no longer be purchased for various reasons is not a problem for Brain4Industry. This was exactly the request we received from the National Institute of Mental Health.

It involved a specialized cooling cutting platform used for preparing ultrathin brain tissue slices, which represents a key component of laboratory equipment.

The platform allows a mouse brain to be placed on a “cold bed,” securely fixed in position, and sliced using a sliding microtome into extremely thin sections measuring only tens of micrometers. These slices are then used in analyses such as immunohistochemistry to observe neuronal activity.

Technical challenge

The original device was developed over two decades ago and is no longer manufactured today. The absence of a functional cooling platform made the researchers’ work significantly more difficult.

Device reconstruction and development

The Brain4Industry team started by reconstructing the original device. Using photographs and consultations with the research team, we developed a digital model of the structure that was later optimized for additive manufacturing.

The development process involved several iterations. An initial prototype was produced to validate the geometry and functionality of the design. After testing, the final metal component was manufactured using additive technologies.

Project outcome

Within a few weeks, a functional copy of the cooling platform was developed, fully replacing the original cooling system and allowing the research team to restore operation of their laboratory microtome. The solution is significantly more cost-effective and, thanks to the digital model, can be easily reproduced whenever required.

If you are exploring new innovation opportunities, connect with Brain4Industry and together we can turn technical challenges into practical solutions.

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