Federal Grant Boosts Purdue Startup

The companys' technology "converts" traditional microscopes into biodynamic imaging microscopes.

The National Science Foundation has awarded nearly $750,000 to a microscope technology startup connected to Purdue University. Animated Dynamics Inc. was founded by Physics Professor David Nolte and Basic Medical Sciences Professor John Turek.

The company develops three-dimensional microscope technology and the money will support its biodynamic microscope.

David Nolte says the technology is different than traditional technology of its kind. "Traditional microscopes magnify small objects. The biodynamic imaging microscope we are developing will study a cell’s phenotype, which is the observable traits that result from how cells in tissues interact with their environment. Studying the phenotype means scientists can see how cell samples behave, mechanically and functionally, in the 3-D environment of living tissue."

The funding will boost commercialization efforts and move it toward more extensive field testing.

You can connect to a video about the technology by clicking here.