An extremely interesting and entertaining morning offered numerous impressive examples of the central role that high-resolution imaging plays in modern research projects. This year’s Nano Imaging Lab User Event 2026 provided users and interested parties from various departments and institutions with a diverse insight into projects to which the Nano Imaging Lab, with its five-member team and infrastructure, has contributed.

Following a brief introduction by the head of the Nano Imaging Lab, Dr. Marcus Wyss, researchers from various disciplines gave concise presentations on their projects and demonstrated how imaging at the nano- and micrometer scales supports their work. The range of topics covered was impressive:

From the Department of Physics at the University of Basel, Katharina Kress presented the application of scanning SQUID microscopy for the investigation of two-dimensional magnetic materials. The NI Lab is particularly involved in the fabrication of so-called SQUID-on-lever systems using focused ion beam technology, which makes these highly sensitive measurements of minute magnetic fields possible in the first place.

The NI Lab also plays an important role in the production of key components for the Department of Chemistry: Fabian Zundel presented a microfluidic chip that allows the dynamics of individual proteins to be studied in real time. Both the Nano Imaging Lab and the Nano Fabrication Lab are involved in its production.

A presentation from the environmental sciences by Dr. Franz Conen focused on atmospheric particles that act as ice nuclei and play a central role in precipitation formation. Scanning electron microscope images made it possible to identify a large number of such particles on which ice formation occurs at temperatures between −5 and −10 °C.

There were also exciting insights in the field of applied medicine: Isabelle Imhof from the University Center for Dental Medicine Basel (UZB) presented her work on the development of synthetic materials for bone replacement in dental implants and demonstrated how imaging contributes to structural characterization. Lukas Beckert from the Biozentrum at the University of Basel presented artificial nanopores based on DNA origami, which are modeled after natural nuclear pore complexes. High-resolution electron microscope images allow for the verification of integration and functionality. Similarly, high-resolution transmission electron microscope images play a crucial role in the research of eye diseases, as Dr. Abigail Moye (Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB)) impressively demonstrated using hereditary retinal diseases as an example.

The presentation by Boris Sevarika (Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Basel) highlighted the production of enzyme-loaded lipid nanoparticles for the treatment of diseases caused by enzyme deficiencies, and demonstrated how their structure and function can be analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and cryo-EM imaging.

The development of test platforms based on printable electronics was the focus of the presentation by Dr. Jakoba Heidler (CSEM SA, Allschwil). Here, too, electron microscopic analyses make an important contribution to quality control and the further development of the systems.

The User Event 2026 has once again demonstrated how interdisciplinary collaboration and the use of state-of-the-art imaging technologies are pushing the boundaries of what is possible. It impressively underscores the central role of the Nano Imaging Lab as a connecting platform between disciplines – and as a driving force for innovative research on the smallest scale.

Text and photos: C. Möller, SNI, 2026