FROM IDEA TO BREAKTHROUGH: SECM 2.0 “UNHIDER”
the beginning of history
First SECM studies in the Baltic States
Researcher at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH) Prof. Inga Morkvėnaitė-Vilkončienė was the first in the Baltic States to work with the scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM). She was interested in the nano and micro world that can be observed with scanning electron microscopes. Although optical microscopes are widely used, due to the wavelength of the light they have magnification limits, which restricts the possibility to study structures at the nano level.
New approaches and first global breakthroughs
Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in combination with SECM has been successfully applied to biological samples.
Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was successfully integrated with SECM
We have developed a mathematical model to interpret the SECM redox competition mode data.
We used the image recognition tool SECM.
Technological challenges and solutions: artificial intelligence and miniaturisation
One of the major practical challenges was the limited mobility of the probe. The SECM probe followed fixed trajectories, which limited flexibility in defining measurement areas. Probe positioning and preparation procedures were very time consuming. The Smart SECM project was implemented to address these problems. Image recognition, machine learning and artificial intelligence tools were introduced. This enabled automatic identification of objects, parameterisation, measurement and classification.
Based on these ideas, a working prototype was developed and a patent registered.
Breakthrough: SECM 2.0 “Unhider”
The project is developing a portable version of the SECM that could be used directly at the sample preparation site, e.g. in dedicated boxes. In this way, the sample would no longer travel to the instrument, but the instrument would travel to the sample. This idea was realised through the InoPažanga project, in collaboration with Laisvidas Striška, founder of Tailored Automotive Solutions UAB, who is currently a senior engineer in the development of the SECM microscope. The SECM 2.0 “Unhider” developed is not only portable, but is also able to use artificial intelligence to determine sample properties, measurement parameters and perform sample classification.
The first prototype was presented at Pittcon 2025 in Boston. The microscope and a miniaturised potentiostat were integrated into an 8 kg suitcase. To automate the positioning of the samples, a new electrochemical cell was developed, eliminating complex holders and connectors.
A vision for the future: from micro to nano
Further developments include miniaturisation of the SECM down to the nanoscale, as well as the integration of the SECM and the AFM (atomic force microscope) into one system. A shear force electrochemical microscope capable of simultaneous recording of topographic and electrochemical data is planned. Such a dual solution would be more cost-effective than two separate devices.
Future plans include increasing the functionality of the microscope to include topography, impedance measurements, spectroscopy, local electroporation, and electroluminescence assays adapted to the analysis of living tissues and cells.
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Unhider SECM 2.0
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Contact: laisvidas.striska@gmail.com | inga.vilkonciene@gmail.com/
