Using microscopy to help partners and customers further advance science
With a name like Intelligent Imaging Innovations, it should come as no surprise that the Colorado-based biotech company works with some of the brightest minds in the field of microscopy.
Better known as 3i, the firm partners with scores of highly-accomplished researchers across academic institutions and pharmaceutical companies.
Founded in 1995 by a team of forward-thinking scientists intent on accelerating scientific discovery with fluorescence microscopy, 3i has been cited in over 6,000 research papers across cell biology, immunology, developmental biology, neuroscience and other fields of study.
Originally starting as a software developer, 3i now integrates best-in-class components alongside novel, patented devices manufactured in its Denver headquarters. The company is dedicated to providing cutting-edge microscopy solutions around the world to advance important biomedical research on diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer and more.
PARTNERS IN SCIENCE
From cutting-edge multiphoton systems with scanless computer-generated holography to spinning disk confocal and light sheet microscopy systems, 3i’s portfolio of microscopes empowers researchers to focus on their research versus building and maintaining bespoke imaging systems and devices.
“Our business focuses on how we can partner with our customers to allow them to focus on their research while we optimize their imaging performance and write software to control best-in-class hardware from different vendors,” said Sergei Sorkin, 3i’s Director of Marketing.
He says 3i’s partnership with scientists not only leads to progress, but also helps define the company.
“A large portion of 3i’s team are engineers and PhD scientists that understand the rigor and effort required to push the boundaries of discovery. We are truly excited to see our customers succeed with every new publication or funded project.”
PRODUCTS
The company is known for its SlideBook microscopy software that is used by researchers across the globe for its ability to seamlessly manage instrument control, image capture, data processing, analysis and 3D visualization. SlideBook can control hundreds of devices including microscopes, stages, lasers, cameras, optoelectronics and more.
3i also manufactures hardware from their TTL electronics to scanless computer-generated holography Phasor system to LaserStack 8-line laser launch. In 2015, 3i partnered with Nobel Laureate Dr. Eric Betzig to introduce the cutting-edge Lattice LightSheet microscope to dozens of leading labs across four continents.
Since then, 3i has unveiled a number of new microscope systems including the AxL Cleared Tissue LightSheet (AxL) microscope for imaging whole cleared animals in 3D at high speed and with great detail.
WORKING WITH PROTOCASE
3i’s innovations are complex and involve high-quality precision parts from a number of suppliers that contribute to its successes.
According to company engineers, their unique, hi-tech AxL microscopes have a “a lot of Protocase gear in there”.
Indeed, 3i has been using Protocase parts and components for over 18 years in rapid prototyping of products, greatly accelerating R&D and engineering efforts on products such as the AxL microscope.
“It’s really helpful that we can come up with a design and have parts in our hands quickly compared to traditional means,” says 3i Mechanical Engineer Cole Young, who adds that projects may often require several iterations to optimize performance.
“The fast turnaround time really helps make things successful for us. It’s good when we can get something that works on the first or second try, rather than half a dozen tries later. Protocase helps eliminate a lot of those bumps in the road.”
Young also applauds Protocase’s engineering and design team members for their willingness and dedication to assisting customers.
“I find it really valuable that Protocase has an engineering team that can help make our designs a success.”