Confocal, Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging, and Multi-Photon Fluorescence Microscope
The confocal, fluorescence lifetime imaging, and multi-photon fluorescence microscope system seamlessly integrates nonlinear, two-photon excitation, and laser-scanning confocal microscopy into a single, fully automated upright configuration.
This system features a variety of lasers that cover the full visible wavelength range. Nonlinear two-photon excitation allows minimally invasive, deep-penetrating, and high-resolution 3D imaging of living systems. Fluorescence lifetime imaging supports quantitative fluorescence resonance energy transfer for investigating molecular interaction dynamics in live cells. The system also includes differential interference contrast imaging to provide cellular context to the fluorescence information and a temperature-controlled chamber suitable for live cell imaging.
Identifying cell populations in complex microbial communities by their distinct combination of endogenous pigments, such as the ratio of chlorophyll A or C and phycocyanin, for example, is possible using the system’s multi-spectral fluorescence detection unit (QUASAR). It separates the fluorescent signals emitted from the sample into 32 distinct channels based on wavelengths or colors.
Research application
- Supporting the Cell Signaling and Communication Integrated Research Platform, this resource has been used in the study of the spatial and temporal dynamics of membrane receptors and other key molecules in plant tissue or cell cultures to better understand their function.
- Supporting the Biomolecular Pathways Integrated Research Platform, this resource has been enabling new insights into molecular pathways by quantitative, multiplex imaging of several proteins within a pathway simultaneously to determine their expression level ratios within single cells.
- Supporting the Rhizosphere Function Integrated Research Platform, this resource has been supporting studies of plant-microbial community interactions to better understand the functional significance of these interactions.
Available instruments
- Structure illumination/Airyscan microscope
- Lattice light sheet microscope
- Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy/Photoactivated Localization Microscopy - Super Resolution Fluorescence Microscope
Tips for success
- This microscopy system supports a wide variety of samples. Sample specimens may be on microscope slides, coverslips, in cell culture dishes under growth medium, or on dry surfaces.
- A selection of microscope objectives suitable for different samples and research objectives are available, including air, water immersion, water dipping, and oil immersion with high and low magnifications.