MICROSCOPY
We offer a unique pipeline from sample processing, staining (histology) and image acquisition (bioimaging) through to data analysis, providing publication-ready results.
Using our histology capabilities, advanced fluorescent microscopy facilities and bioimaging analysis, we can help you deduce the distribution, interactions and networks of the cells within your experimental samples, whether they be tissue sections or whole organs.
We have extensive experience in histological techniques including Formalin-Fixed Paraffin-Embedded (FFPE) and cryosectioning. We can provide histochemical staining including H&E, PAS, Sirius Red and Masson Trichome. We have experience with the fluorescent IHC signal amplification technique known as OPAL staining. With cryosections we routinely perform multicolour direct-conjugated immunofluorescent staining.
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LASER SCANNING CONFOCAL MICROSCOPE (LSCM) FV3000
Our FV3000 laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) Olympus consists of an inverted IX83 microscope, equipped with 8 laser lines (405nm, 445nm, 488nm, 514nm, 561nm, 594nm, 640nm and 730nm). It has multiple objectives ranging from 4X, 10X, 20X (dry) to 30X silicone, 40X (oil) and 60X (water). The LSCM has six fluorescent detectors, four cutting-edge spectral GaAsP detectors and two near-infrared (GaAs) detectors. It is also equipped with a resonant scanning mode, for ultra-fast acquisition of 438 frames/second for physiological studies and a super-resolution acquisition mode for capable of 120nm resolution.
In combination with a motorised stage, precise CO2 micro-incubator and temperature-regulated imaging chamber, the LSCM is capable of recording multi-day imaging sessions under optimal experimental conditions.
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We welcome standard research approaches and support the development of new and innovative applications to advance scientific discovery, and we have full-time support staff available to provide expert advice and training on the FV3000.
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OLYMPUS VS200 WHOLE-SLIDE SCANNER
Capable of five imaging formats (brightfield, darkfield, phase contrast, polarisation and fluorescent), the high-throughput VS200 whole-slide scanner has an automated loader and slide tray holder capable of storing and processing more than 200 slides in a single run. Slides can be scanned across a range of magnification objectives, from 2X to 60X oil (complete with an oil auto-dispenser).
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It has an impressive acquisition speed of 60< seconds per slide for a 15 mm2 brightfield sections with 20X magnification. With eight fluorescent filters and automatic focusing modes, the VS200 slide scanner a very versatile piece of equipment for high-quality multiplex imaging as well as enabling timely digital archiving.
Olympus VS-200 Whole Slide Scanner
INCUCYTE S3
Incucyte S3 is a high-throughput live-imaging and analysis system. Residing within a gas and temperature-regulated incubator, the Incucyte is well-suited for long-term time-lapse experiments.
The equipment supports universal multiwell cell culture plates plates ranging from 6 to 384 wells, 10cm2 petri dishes as well as 75cm2 and 25cm2 cell culture flasks. It is capable of brightfield and fluorescent imaging (green and red emission), and is equipped with 4X, 10X and 20X objective for whole-well imaging and multiple fields of view per well.
The facility has an Incucyte-compatible WoundMakerTM device for standardized and high-throughput wound assay formation assays.
Included with the Incucyte, image analysis software is available for post-processing analysis or on-the-fly analysis. The software comes with specific analysis module for scratch assays, proliferation assays and viability assays.
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IMAGE ANALYSIS
In addition to the equipment and expertise we have for processing and imaging your experimental samples, we offer options for analysis of imaging data. As well as extracting visual information from your data we can also interrogate the image output to derive statistical analyses. These range from basic quantification of marker-positive cells, object tracking in time-lapse image data to the growing field of histocytometric analysis. These analyses can be performed on suitable brightfield images with chromogenic stains and fluorescence images from any of our imaging platforms.