Tufts University Launches COCOON Lab for Nanoscale Material Imaging

On July 10, 2026, Tufts University unveiled the COCOON lab, a groundbreaking imaging facility capable of examining materials from the macroscale down to the nanoscale. This innovative center allows scientists to analyze a range of samples—including butterfly wings, living tissues, and microchips—with unprecedented depth and accuracy.

Advanced Imaging Techniques in COCOON Lab

The COCOON lab features a coordinated suite of microscopes, allowing for comprehensive material analysis in a single session. Unlike traditional microscopy centers, COCOON integrates various instruments to link findings across different scales. According to Giulia Guidetti, research assistant professor of biomedical engineering, this facility enables researchers to connect macroscale observations with nanoscale details seamlessly.

At the core of COCOON is a powerful scanning electron microscope that resolves features as small as 0.8 nanometers, comparable to the size of a glucose molecule. This capability is enhanced by integrated instruments such as Raman spectroscopy and EDX spectroscopy, which provide molecular and elemental maps of the materials being studied.

Key Benefits of COCOON's Imaging Capabilities

COCOON's design addresses significant challenges in imaging biological materials. Traditional high-resolution electron microscopy often requires a vacuum environment, which can alter the shape and function of living tissues. COCOON employs cryogenic preservation techniques, rapidly freezing samples to maintain their natural state during imaging.

This innovation not only preserves the integrity of biological samples but also minimizes damage from electron beams and lasers, allowing researchers to gather more detailed information. The facility can analyze a wide variety of materials, including polymers, adhesives, microchips, batteries, and even forensic samples.

Collaborative Research at COCOON Lab

COCOON emphasizes a collaborative service model, where trained scientific staff work closely with clients to design experiments and select appropriate imaging strategies. Fiorenzo Omenetto, director of Silklab, stated, "The advantage we have is that we can correlate information between each microscope." This ability to track regions of interest across different scales enhances the research process significantly.

As a resource for both academic and industry clients, COCOON is set to revolutionize the analysis of materials by facilitating comprehensive studies that were previously unattainable. By connecting observations from the macroscale to the nanoscale, COCOON is poised to make significant contributions to various fields of research.