Services
IMC services include training and access to digital fluorescence microscopy and transmission electron microscopy.
Standard and High Resolution
For standard fluorescence, a Zeiss AxioPlan2 upright microscope is available equipped with PC-controlled, high-resolution BandW and color CCD cameras. Brightfield capabilities include phase, DIC and dark field illumination, with 2.5x to 100x high quality objectives.
High-resolution fluorescence of thin samples (cell monolayers or sections less than 20 microns) is available via Applied Precision's DeltaVision Restoration Microscopy system, a deconvolution-based, wide-field optical microscope. This instrument is fully automated for Z-series acquisition, with up to five fluorescent channels. Available filter sets include: DAPI, FITC, Rhodamine, Texas Red, Cy-5, CFP, GFP and YFP. Image data collection and interpretation is made with SoftWorx image analysis and model-building software. A stand alone SoftWoRx workstation, Decon 2, is also available for further image analysis.
Laser or Digital System
Confocal microscopy is available through the newly updated Zeiss LSM 510 META, triple laser system, with sophisticated AOTF laser control that can eliminate channel bleed through; CFP, GFP, FITC, Rhodamine, Texas Red and Cy-5 can be imaged, along with DIC. The META upgrade is a versatile spectral imaging detector that allows spectral unmixing and at least 4 channel acquisition. Bioptechs environment chambers are available for pre-approved live cell imaging projects, such as time lapse and photobleach/recovery studies.
The TEM facility is equipped with a new, digital, Hitachi H-7500 Electron Microscope, with a 2Kx2K Gatan CCD and excellent, web-enabled database/software capabilities. Available EM services include standard fixation, embedding and ultramicrotomy; special stains and immunogold labeling are also available on a limited basis.
Access, Tutorials and Fees
A hierarchal access structure is in place for investigators, depending upon affiliation with supporting grants, or the Molecular and Cellular Biology department. Investigator/Project Profile form is required to determine the most appropriate instrumentation/service and access privileges.
Tutorials are required for all core users at $80/hour. Fees vary per microscope from $20-50/hour; fees for imaging workstations at $10/hour; labor charges are also at $40-80/hour. Core-approved users can arrange for independent use during peak time (8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.), or off peak time (at discounted rates).