Microfabrication of Implantable Optics Integrated in a Microstructured Imaging Window for Advanced In Vivo Imaging

In the context of biomaterials and drug testing in animal models, this study presents a streamlined protocol for fabricating a novel implantable integrated imaging window. The micro-device comprises a sophisticated system of microlenses coupled with micro-scaffolds specifically designed for in vivo quantification of the immune response using advanced non-linear excitation microscopy. The protocol is based on two-photon polymerization (2PP) of the biocompatible photoresist SZ2080, which enables the fabrication of micro-scaffolds and micro-lenses in a continuous sequence to enhance manufacturing efficiency and precision. To further improve speed, accuracy, and structural integrity, a hybrid optics fabrication approach was implemented, involving the 2PP of the microlens outer shell followed by UV bulk crosslinking of the inner core. This innovative technique optimizes the optical properties of the microlenses while streamlining the production process. The resulting micro-device demonstrates high reproducibility and mechanical stability, making it an effective method for prototyping microscale optical systems for a range of biomedical applications.