The Microscopy Unit facilitates and enhances research through sophisticated imaging at various scales, from the subcellular level to full thickness tissue.
Capabilities
- Deep 3D technique
- Assistance with specimen collection, fixation, processing staining, clarification, imaging and rendering
- HALO software image analysis
- High End Instrumentation:
- Leica Stellaris 8
- Zeiss 800
- Nikon C2
- Wide field Leica DM4
Instrumentation available
Stellaris 8 confocal Leica microscope
The Stellaris 8 confocal Leica microscope is an advanced tool designed for fluorescent microscopy. Equipped with internal detectors, including 5 Hybrid (HyD) for the visible spectrum, one for almost UV PMT, and one PMT for transmitted light, the microscope features a 405 nm wavelength laser and a white light laser covering 470 to 670 wavelengths in one nanometer intervals. The objectives include 20x, 40x, and 63x Confocal 2 grade, with a special 25x lens for deep imaging. The Z stage is mobile in three dimensions, and the microscope includes a removable incubation chamber with gas control for CO2 and oxygen. It caters to various research needs, from thin tissue slides (5μm) to thick tissue pieces (1000μm), enabling live cell imaging from single layers to 3D cell aggregates. The 25x lens allows imaging up to 1mm deep in fixed and clarified tissue for deep 3D imaging.
Leica DM4 microscope
The Leica DM4 microscope is a versatile research instrument known for its optical performance and features. It is designed with high-quality optics, providing excellent optical precision and clarity. This ensures accurate visualization of specimens and details. Well suited for wide-field microscopy and as a station to check staining of visible fluorochromes before using the Stellaris 8 confocal microscope.
Nikon Ti Eclipse C2+ Confocal Module Microscope
The Nikon Ti Eclipse C2+ Confocal Module Microscope excels in high-resolution, high-speed imaging of cells and labeled particles. With a Nikon C2+ scan head, it combines widefield capture and confocal capabilities. Automated image acquisition, an XYZ piezo stage, and Nikon Elements software enable screening drug libraries and more. Objective lenses include oil immersion 40x, 100x, and air 4x, 10x, 40x, 60x. It features a heated CO2 incubator for live cell work and uses an ANDOR iXon3 EMCCD camera for rapid, sensitive imaging. Software tools like AutoQuant X3, Imaris, CellProfiler, FCSExpress, and ImageJ facilitate advanced quantitative analysis and manipulation of images.
Zeiss 3-Channel Confocal System Microscope LLC LSM800
The Zeiss 3-Channel Confocal System Microscope LLC LSM800 is a versatile and sophisticated imaging instrument with 3-channel capabilities, Zeiss optics, and integration into a well-equipped laboratory for comprehensive confocal imaging and analysis. It is equipped with confocal technology, allowing for high-resolution imaging by selectively eliminating out-of-focus light, resulting in improved image clarity. It is designed with a 3-channel configuration, providing versatility in simultaneous imaging of multiple fluorescent channels. Ensures high-quality and precise imaging, contributing to the overall accuracy and reliability of the acquired data.
Ancillary equipment
- Slide oven, for Insitu hybridization detection of RNA or DNA in tissues.
- Abbe Refractometer, to measure refractive index of solutions to clarified tissues for deep imaging.
- Tissue culture microscope.
- Slide chambers for staining and all the equipment needed.
Image analysis
Volocity software is used for image rendition and quantification of volumetric data. For 2-dimensional data, dedicated Leica software will be used well as Halo Software, if available.