ASU SoLS: W.M. Keck Bioimaging Lab

The Bioscope system is primarily geared for imaging and detection of low level fluorescence signal. An argon/krypton laser coupled with a two-channel confocal detection system may be used for fluorescence detection of single molecules in solution. It is also equipped with objective and prism type TIRF (Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence microscopy) optics for fluorescence imaging of surfaces. A split detection channel permits simultaneous imaging of two dyes on a single ccd chip. The system may also be setup for fluorescence correlation spectroscopy. Specialized training required.

Nikon General Microscopy & Eppendorf Microinjection System

general microscope and
microinjection system

The general microscopy station is outfitted with a Nikon inverted epifluorescent microscope and also includes a Hoffman contrast modulation system. In addition, the workstation is outfitted with an Eppendorf microinjection system (Patchman and Transinjector 5246). Cell injection and manipulation techniques such as microinjection of DNA into fertilized eggs can be handled on this system.

For information on the various components please visit the following web sites.

Leica SP2 Multi-photon Scanning Laser Microscope

The Leica SP2 is equipped with 3 visible lasers (Ar, Kr, and He/Ne) as well as a Spectra-Physics Tsunami infrared laser for multi-photon imaging. The Tsunami is pumped by an 8W Verdi pump laser, and may be tuned between 750 and 1050 nm. The SP2 features a spectrophotometric detection system which allows users to precisely select the wavelengths of emitted light collected by any of four fluorescent photomultiplier tubes. Two non-descanned light detectors are also part of this setup, which allow for more sensitive light detection when scanning in multi-photon mode.

Leica TCS NT Upright AND Inverted Scanning (4) Laser Microscope

The Leica TCS NT is a universal Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope System for the bio-medical and materials research environment. The system includes four lasers that can be used simultaneously. The lasers and laser lines include, an Argon (488nm), Krypton (568), RHeNe (633), and an Argon UV (363).

There are two separate microscopes (upright and inverted) that can accommodate the scanning head, which makes the system flexible for various research needs. More information on this system can be found at the Leica Confocal Web Site. Users wanting to know more about the laser configuration, theory, and links to useful locations and pages should consult this page. We encourage anyone interested in using this instrument to visit this site.

Confocal Brochures & Applications

The Zeiss Duo is a single system that combines high-speed line scanning, ultraprecise point confocal scanning, and spectral fingerprinting. The line scan mode can image 120 fps at 512X512 resolution. In addition both scan heads may be used simultaneously with one laser being used for imaging while a second laser is used for bleaching or photoactivation of a region of interest. This instrument is located in the Biodesign Institute.

Molecular Dynamics Storm®

The lab also houses a Molecular Dynamics Storm® 840 system for gel and blot analysis. This system provides both PhosphorImager® capabilities along with non-radioactive fluorescent labeling techniques--direct fluorescence and chemifluorescence. Researchers can make use of emerging non-radioactive gel and blot analysis methods, or use proven radioisotope techniques. Storm scans storage phosphor screens plus fluorescent gels and chemifluorescent blots in the 35 x 43 cm scanning area.

More information on this system can be found at the Molecular Dynamics Web Site detailing the STORM® system. This a great reference point for all researchers. We encourage anyone interested in using this instrument to visit this site. Visit Molecular Dynamics.

ImageQuant Tutorial Applications Literature

Video & Ratio Imaging Inverted Microscope

Currently the ratio imaging system consists of a Nikon inverted microscope. The system is outfitted with two cameras; a low light level CCD camera (Quantix) and also a standard CCD camera the allows realtime image capture to tape. Both fluorescent and visible light (including both Phase and DIC contrast enhancement capabilities) are supported.

Images are captured and processed by Inovision's hardware/software interface on new SGI O² R5000 computer.

More information on this system can be found at the Inovision web site.

Scanning Probe Microscopy

Pico SPM system that includes Scanning Tunneling Microscope, STM, and Atomic Force Microscope, AFM (Molecular Imaging Corp., Phoenix, AZ) is available at the Keck laboratory. The AFM instrument was designed primarily for topographic studies of biological macromolecules at broad environmental conditions including imaging in aqueous solutions.

Recently upgraded AFM instrument is capable of operating in two oscillating modes, acoustic and MAC modes. As an alternative to a well-known Tapping Mode (acoustic mode for this instrument), MAC mode is attractive for scanning in liquid. MAC mode allows driving the tip directly rather than using excitations of the fluid to drive the tip (acoustic/Tapping Mode mode). MAC mode uses an oscillating magnetic field to drive the AFM cantilever. The magnetic field is generated by a solenoid placed under the sample. Gentle approach of the probe and operating of AFM at low oscillating amplitudes (MAC or Tapping/acoustic modes) permits even softer and more gently bound samples to be imaged. Moreover, fine asperities on the end of the tip remain intact allowing imaging with a ~1 nm resolution.

More information about the instrument can be found at the Molecular Imaging web site.