Instruments

Members of the LSM 710 confocal microscope family are popular, full-featured instruments capable of optically sectioning living or fixed specimens of varying thickness. The specialized META detector can be used to capture detailed spectral information and customize emission filters for the elimination of signal overlap. An intuitive time-lapse imaging function is useful for kinetic studies and FRAP experiments, and the laser configuration settings are suitable for FRET measurements. Though fundamentally similar to the LSM 510 META capabilities, the more advanced LSM 710 META confocal microscope provides greater sensitivity and reduced background noise during acquisition. The upgraded ZEN software and “Smart Setup” feature allows for easy importing of fluorophore configurations, while the Definite Focus component can help to correct axial drift during long-term capture. The LSM 710 BIG is equipped with environmental controls (for temperature and CO2) and with two GaAsP detectors (BiG) allowing measurements of very low laser levels, therefore enabling the confocal to be used for long term live cell experiments

The versatile  TIRF microscope is configured for several types of imaging, most notably for the precise visualization of structures or processes near cell membranes (< 200 nm). The system is also uniquely suited for live cell studies by way of a fully controllable (temperature, CO2, humidity) environmental chamber, which can supplement any of the transmitted light, fluorescence, or laser TIRF imaging modes.

Light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) is a maturing technique ideal for fast and gentle imaging of whole living model organisms, tissues and cells as they develop. This same technology also has broad applicability for imaging large optically-cleared fixed specimens with subcellular resolution. The ZEISS Lightsheet 7 bridges these worlds using dedicated optics, sample chambers and holders to enable true 3D imaging from the meso- to micro-scale.

The combination of multiple distinct fluorescent labels is increasingly used to study dynamic interaction and spatial relationships among cells and molecules. The goal is to understand a myriad of complex biological events, such as cellular connectivity, cell phenotyping, protein  interaction or co-expression, and co-localization. Scaling up such studies to whole organs or tissues in live animals requires suitable large-volume multicolor microscopy methods. DIVE, FALCON and STELLARIS have now merged to provide you with the power of flexible multicolor multiphoton imaging with FLIM capabilities.

The Prairie Technologies Ultima In Vivo Microscopy System, 2-Photon imaging is designed specifically for intravital preparations, with fully motorized control of the objective X-Y-Z position. The system is configurable to wide range of live samples from invertebrates to primates. A second scan path enables simultaneous photoactivation or photobleaching.  A high-speed resonant scanner brings video-rate imaging to the platform.

The VivaView Fluorescence Microscope system consists of a motorized inverted microscope that is fully contained within a cell culture incubator. This integrated approach to long-term time-lapse imaging can thus extend the duration of acquisition, reduce thermal drift, and allow for precise chemical loading while providing high quality fluorescent and/or transmitted light capture. The system also features a motorized stage for monitoring multiple positions in a dish, as well as an automated tray with space for up to 8 dishes.

The BX51 fluorescence microscope is a simple fluorescence and bright field instrument with an assortment of objectives ranging from 4X to 100X magnification, as well as a set of 4 manual sliding fluorescence filters (DAPI, FITC, Rhodamine, Cy5). The easy setup and highly-responsive CCD camera make the system an excellent choice when observations and analyses require a certain efficiency.

Billing cycle is done on the monthly basis. On the 3rd of each month, the charges accumulated for the preceding month are sent to RRC finance for invoicing to the proper RRC account number.

Please note, Investigators from the Northwestern University and the University of Chicago are provided internal rates as all UIC users. All other users can access services but, at either external academic or external non-academic rate.