Microscopes

Introduction

At QIB Extra, our microscopy equipment access service provides cutting-edge tools tailored to meet a wide range of research needs, offering unparalleled imaging and analysis capabilities. We provide equipment access contracts to ensure that researchers have consistent and reliable access to state-of-the-art microscopy systems for both short- and long-term projects.

Our portfolio features a variety of advanced microscopy systems, including the versatile Zeiss AXIO Imager, the DeltaVision Elite Inverted Microscope, the DeltaVision OMX Flex super-resolution microscope, the Molecular Devices Image Xpress Micro Confocal, and the Olympus VS200 slide scanner. Whether you need a basic upright microscope or advanced imaging solutions, our equipment is designed to support intricate and extended scientific research.

In addition to equipment access, we offer a dedicated page focused on project research with a microscopy emphasis. This resource highlights our commitment to assisting researchers with project-specific needs, ensuring flexible and uninterrupted access to our advanced systems. Partner with us to tackle your complex scientific projects with precision and efficiency.

Equipment

Our state-of-the-art equipment supports a wide range of advanced research and commercial projects. From high-throughput sequencing platforms to precision sample preparation tools, each instrument is maintained to the highest standards to ensure accuracy, reliability, and efficiency. Explore our capabilities below to learn more about the equipment available at our facility.

This advanced upright microscope is equipped with LED-based transmitted and fluorescence lighting systems, alongside a 1.5” DP74 colour camera for superior colour and fluorescence imaging. It excels in brightfield, DIC, polarised, and epifluorescent imaging, utilising long-pass emission filters. Additionally, it features a Linkam stage capable of reaching temperatures up to 400 ˚C, enabling the detailed analysis of samples during heat treatment. This comprehensive system is ideal for research-focused clients seeking high-quality imaging and thermal analysis capabilities.
 

The Zeiss AXIO Imager Upright Microscope is a versatile instrument designed for brightfield and epifluorescence studies in biological research. It supports various imaging modes, including brightfield (phase contrast, polarized light, and darkfield) and widefield fluorescence imaging. The system offers blue, green, red, and far-red imaging, with an autofocus system ensuring stable imaging over time. It is equipped with both colour and monochrome cameras for dual imaging. Researchers can access this equipment for both short- and long-term projects, empowering them to explore new frontiers in biological research. The Zeiss AXIO Imager.M2 microscope significantly enhances research capabilities with its versatility and efficiency.
 

This advanced upright microscope is equipped with LED-based transmitted and fluorescence lighting systems, alongside a 1.5” DP74 colour camera for superior colour and fluorescence imaging. It excels in brightfield, DIC, polarised, and epifluorescent imaging, utilising long-pass emission filters. Additionally, it features a Linkam stage capable of reaching temperatures up to 400 ˚C, enabling the detailed analysis of samples during heat treatment. This comprehensive system is ideal for research-focused clients seeking high-quality imaging and thermal analysis capabilities.
 

The DeltaVision Elite Inverted Microscope is an advanced tool for brightfield and widefield fluorescence microscopy, ideal for live cell imaging. Its unique light path and deconvolution algorithm deliver high-quality images while preserving cell viability. The system's automated illumination enhances contrast and supports low-light imaging for sensitive samples like yeast, bacteria, and live cells, with improved contrast and resolution for faster quantitative data visualisation.
 
It features 4x-100x phase contrast, 40x and 60x DIC, and 30x and 60x extra-long working distance objectives, along with filter sets for standard and live cell fluorophores. The system supports slides, dishes, chambered slides, and 6-384 well plates. Laser-based autofocusing ensures stable focus for timelapse and point-visiting experiments.
 
With full environmental control, including hypoxic conditions, the DeltaVision Elite provides exceptional imaging of biological processes over time, combining precision, flexibility, and advanced technology.

The DeltaVision OMX Flex super-resolution microscope revolutionises scientific discovery with its advanced imaging modes, including Single Molecular Localisation Microscopy (PALM and STORM), 2D/3D-SIM, TIRF-SIM, Ring-TIRF, IRIS line scanning with EDGE correction, and quantitative deconvolution. It provides fully controlled environmental conditions for rapid live imaging of dynamic biological processes.
 
Equipped with four lasers and emission filters (blue, green, red, and far-red), each with a dedicated camera, it enables simultaneous imaging of various fluorophores. Polychoic mirrors improve the discrimination of CFP, YFP, and mCherry for live-cell imaging. The OMX Flex delivers exceptional imaging quality and versatility for advanced research.
 
For example, D. melanogaster macrophages stained with Phalloidin-AF564, DAPI, and anti-tubulin-Ab-AF488 can be imaged with the 60x oil objective and processed with SoftWorx, providing high-detail images with a maximum intensity projection (MIP) and a scale bar of 10 µm and 0.5 µm.

The Molecular Devices Image Xpress Micro Confocal is an advanced confocal imaging system that enhances high-content analysis (HCA) with improved speed, image quality, and throughput. Integrated with INCarta analysis software, it offers intuitive workflows for transforming assays into actionable insights. Its user-friendly design and high throughput make it suitable for diverse imaging needs.
 
The system supports brightfield, phase contrast, and fluorescence imaging with laser illumination. It includes widefield, spinning disk confocal with a 60 µm pinhole, and a 40 µm slit modes, as well as excellent resolution with water immersion objectives.

Featuring robotic automation and an optimised stage design, the Image Xpress is available for both short- and long-term use, making it ideal for various research projects. Its intelligent scanning features provide efficient and precise imaging for optimal results.

The Olympus VS200 slide scanner is a versatile imaging solution designed to support various slide sizes, objectives, and observation methods. This cutting- edge system enables simultaneous scanning using brightfield, darkfield, polarisation, phase contrast, and fluorescence techniques. Its advanced software suite includes capabilities like offline analysis and deep learning. The scanner features a loader for 35 sample trays (up to 280 slides), a robotics system for efficient acquisition, and an integrated barcode reader for slide information recording.
 
With a user-friendly interface and TruAI technology for precise segmentation, the VS200 streamlines workflows and ensures accurate results. Offering five imaging modes and Olympus X Line objectives, it is ideal for applications in brain research, cancer and stem cell studies, and drug discovery. Available for short- or long-term use, the scanner provides flexibility for extended research projects, making it a powerful tool for intricate and prolonged scientific endeavours.

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