NANOSPACER

About the project

NANOSPACER is designed to bring nanoscale observation into the hands of scientists using standard optical microscopes. This device—a transparent coverslip paired with a bottom substrate—creates a precise nanospace between layers, enabling high-resolution particle observation at the nanoscale.

Why NANOSPACER?

Nanofluidic devices hold great potential for advancing fields like human health and single-molecule research. However, existing microfluidic technologies are often cumbersome, requiring complex equipment, protocols, and expertise. NANOSPACER eliminates these barriers by offering an easy-to-use, standardized method for analyzing biomacromolecules, vesicles, and more—without the need for ultracentrifugation or time-intensive steps.

Applications across science and biotechnology

The versatility of NANOSPACER makes it an invaluable tool for researchers studying:

• Extracellular Vesicles: Size and classify body fluid-derived particles (40–1000nm).
• Viruses/VLP: Observe virus particles as small as 40nm and their interaction with biomolecules.
• Micro-Algae: Separate micro-sized cell bodies from their nanoscopic emission products.
• Bacteria: Track highly mobile organisms (~1µm) on a single particle level.
• Fertility: Record spermatozoa movements in an easy manner at scalable high throughput.
• Neurodegeneration: Size and analyze protein aggregates related to neurodegenerative diseases.
• Nanofluidic Cell Cultures: Integrate nanoparticle sizing into your cell culture assays - circumventing ultracentrifugation and purification bias.
• Nanocolloids: Characterize particles and interactions ranging from 44–500nm.
• Antibodies: In solution testing of antibody/target binding for scalable high throughput screening.
• Single Molecules: Detect and size DNA-strands (approx. 10nm), proteins (1-3nm), biomolecular complexes and more.

NANOSPACER opens opportunities for rapid, accurate size analysis, spectroscopy, and classification across multiple disciplines using existing laboratory equipment.

A vision for global impact

In collaboration with Norinnova AS, the technology transfer office of UiT, NANOSPACER’s mission is twofold:

1. Ensure manufacturing excellence: by developing an automated production line, the project aims to reduce technical risks and enable scalable production.
2. Meet market needs: By addressing end-user demands, the project is paving the way for widespread adoption of NANOSPACER technology.
    

This project is committed to making nanoscale fluidics accessible to researchers and companies worldwide. With plans to establish a production facility in Tromsø, this project will not only enhance global biotechnology research but also create new job opportunities in Northern Norway.