Imaging Equipment
Imaging and Flow Cytometry Core
Confocal Microscope
LSM 780 with 2-photon
LSM780 is an inverted laser scanning confocal microscope. It is equipped with three solid state lasers (405, 561 and 633 nm), one argon laser with three laser lines (458, 488 and 514 nm), one femtosecond pulsed laser (Coherent Chameleon Vision II, tuning range 680nm-1080nm), two PMT detectors, one 32-channel spectral GaAsP detector and one transmitted light PMT detector. The GaASP detector allows the detection of weak signals and spectral imaging with unmixing (separation of spectrally overlapping fluorophores). The stage-top live cell chamber, the motorized stage, photo-bleaching module enables the multi-dimensional (multi-channel, multi-position, time-lapse) live cell imaging, photon-manipulation and large tissue tile scanning.
Applications:
- XY 2D / Z-stack 3D imaging, DIC/Phase contrast
- Live cell imaging;
- Two-photon imaging;
- Spot/line Scan; lambda scan, linear unmixing;
- Tile scanning; multiple position imaging.
- Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)
Standard Operation Protocol – Carl Zeiss LSM780.pdf
Staff-in-charge: Dr.WANG Zhaoyue (Cindy) | 3917 9851 | imaging.cpos@hku.hk
LSM 800 with Airyscan1
LSM 800 is an inverted confocal setup equipped with 4 lasers (405 nm, 488 nm, 561 nm, 640nm) and Airyscan for sub-diffraction resolution to 140 nm. The microscope has 2 confocal detectors and a highly sensitive GaAsP detector, each of the detector’s wavelengths is tunable per nanometer. The motorized stage, advanced tiling module, photo-bleaching module enables the multi-dimensional (multi-channel, multi-position) imaging, photo-manipulation and big tissue tile scanning. Applications:LSM 880 with Ariyscan1
LSM 900 with Airyscan2
LSM 900 Inverted Confocal
LSM 900 Upright Confocal
LSM 980 with Ariyscan2
The Zeiss LSM980 system is an inverted laser scanning confocal microscopes with Airyscan 2 expands the excitation laser spot to allow imaging of eight lines in parallel simultaneously. It enables multiplex modes of SR-8Y, SR-4Y and CO-8Y for high speed imaging without sacrificing sensitivity or resolution. New ZEN software modules, including “Sample Navigator” and “Zen Connect” will simplify the imaging setup procedure. The stage-top live cell chamber, the motorized stage, advanced tiling module, photo-bleaching module enables the multi-dimensional (multi-channel, multi-position, time-lapse) live cell imaging, photo-manipulation and large tissue tile scanning.Perkin Elmer UltraView VOX Spinning Disc Confocal
PE UltraVIEW VoX spinning disk confocal is built for rapid and gentle imaging of live cell specimens. Highly sensitive EMCCD camera coupled with Yokogawa CSU-X1 spinning disk unit enables user to image with very low laser power to minimize effect of phototoxicity during long-term live cell experiments. Piezo z-stage is included in the setup for capturing volume up to 400 µm in z-axis with exceptional speed.Super-resolution Microscope
Live-SR Super Resolution/TIRF Microscope
Live-SR Super-resolution/TIRF Microscope is an integrated imaging system equipped with a Live-SR Super-resolution Unit, a Yokogawa CSU-W1 Spinning Disk Unit, and an iLAS3 Ring-TIRF/FRAP/Ablation Unit. The Live-SR is based on an optically demodulated structured illumination technique with online processing. It enables super-resolution (105nm laterally) at high speed with low photo-toxicity. iLAS3 Ring-TIRF/FRAP with 4 laser lines (405nm, 488nm, 561nm, and 639nm) allows the observation of membrane-associated processes like cell adhesion, hormone binding, molecule transport, exocytotic and endocytotic dynamics. A high-power 355nm UV pulsed laser enables ablation for applications like DNA damage and axotomy.
Applications:
- High Speed Super Resolution Imaging
- Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF)
- Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching (FRAP)
- Laser Ablation
Detailed Configuration
Standard Operation Protocol – Live-SR Super Resolution/TIRF Microscope
Staff-in-charge: Dr. CHEN, Miao | 3917 9806 | imaging.cpos@hku.hk
High Throughput Imaging System
Akoya Vectra Polaris
Vectra Polaris integrates both multispectral imaging and automated slide scanning to better visualize and quantify immunolabelled cells in tissue sections and tissue microarrays. With Tyramide signal amplification-based staining of multiple biomarkers (up to 8 overlapping fluorescent colors and DAPI), visualization is achieved by patented Liquid Crystal Tunable filter and unmixing algorithm. This fully automated system provides high speed whole-slide scanning at 10x to 40x in brightfield or fluorescence for up to 80 slides in a run. Supported by the tissue analysis software, quantification and spatial analysis of biomarkers can be accomplished in high throughput via machine learning and batch analysis.
Applications:
- Brightfield microscopy of histological sections (e.g. DAB, H&E)
- Whole-slide widefield fluorescent scanning (e.g. in-vitro GFP expression)
- Multispectral imaging, quantification and analysis of immunolabelled sections (up to 8 fluorescent colors and DAPI)
Standard Operation Protocol – Perkinelmer Vectra Polaris
Opal staining protocol
Akoya Opal Assay Development_Guide
Staff-in-charge: Mr. SZE Jarrel | 3910 2937 | imaging.cpos@hku.hk
Cytiva IN Cell Analyzer 6500HS
IN Cell Analyzer 6500HS is a laser-based line scanning high-content imaging system. High speed filter based widefield, EDGE confocal imaging modes with a sensitive PCO Edge 4.2 sCMOS camera. User could choose between fixed cell imaging, live cell incubation and hypoxic incubation ([Oxygen] adjustable 0.1% -20%). Combined with new IN Carta software, for object quantification streamlines workflow for high content analysis feature extraction.MACSima Imaging System
Light-sheet Microscopy
LiTone XL Light-sheet Microscope
The LiTone XL Light-sheet Microscope is a lightsheet setup that applies unique 4-side illumination to achieve sample penetration across the entire sample. The microscope is equipped with 4 solid lasers (405 nm, 488 nm, 561 nm, and 640 nm). With the sCMOS camera and high NA objective, the microscope provides lateral resolution to 500 nm and axial resolution to 1.5 um. The microscope has optics that are adaptable to a wide range of refractive indices, from water to solvent solutions, with an index of refraction ranging from 1.33 to 1.52. With its live cell imaging toolkit and the motorized stage, the microscope enables long-term imaging of live small transparent animal, such as zebrafish. The detachable sample bath and holder set allow for imaging of both soft and hard samples ranging in size from 0.5 mm to 25 mm.
Applications:
- Cleared tissue/embryos imaging (e.g. cleared mouse brain/liver, cleared mouse embryo, etc.)
- Fixed transparent tissue imaging (e.g. organoid, etc.)
- Live small transparent animal imaging (e.g. zebrafish, etc.)
Detailed Configuration
Standard Operation Protocol – LiTone XL Light-sheet Microscope
Staff-in-charge: Mr WONG, William | 3910-3523 | imaging.cpos@hku.hk
ZEISS Lattice Lightsheet 7 Microscope
Other Imaging System
Olympus FVMPE-RS Hybrid Multiphoton System
Olympus FVMPE-RS Hybrid Multiphoton System is a multi-photon laser scanning microscope that allows fluorescence imaging deep into specimens at hundreds of micrometers in living cells and tissues. It is equipped with two Coherent Chameleon Vision II laser, tunable from 680nm to 1080nm, four NDD (non-descanned detector) detectors (PMT), upright microscope stand and dual scanners (Galva and Resonant Scanner). This enables simultaneous imaging of maximum four fluorescent channels on live samples. High NA water immersion objectives allow imaging directly into specimens in media. It is dedicated to intravital imaging of living, whole mount, thickly sliced specimens or small animals.
Applications:
- Multiphoton imaging
- Second harmonic generation (SHG)
- Z-stack 3D imaging
- Time-lapse live tissue/animal imaging
- Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and photoactivation
Detailed configuration
Standard Operation Protocol – Olympus MP-ERS
Staff-in-charge: Dr. CHEN, Miao | 3917 9806 | imaging.cpos@hku.hk
Nikon Ti2-E Widefield Imaging
Nikon Ti2-E is an inverted fluorescence microscope equipped with motorized and intelligent components for advanced imaging applications at high speed and high sensitivity. The integration of an unprecedented 25mm field of view with industry-leading optics, a Perfect-auto-Focusing System and a stratum structure enable the Nikon Ti2-E to have extra expandability meeting the needs for various type of imaging.Carl Zeiss AxioZoom.V16
AxioZoom.V16 is a multi-zoom stereoscope with fluorescent illumination. High N.A. optics enable visualization of specimen ranging from large field-of-view to single cell observation. Flexible design allows illumination options of brightfield, dark field, oblique ring illumination, reflective fluorescence for DAPI / GFP / RFP.Optical Tweezers/TIRF System
Primo micropatterning/Color imaging system
Sample Preparation Equipment
PELCO easiGlow™ Glow Discharge Cleaning System
During the process of vitrification, the aqueous sample solution may form a droplet and fail to spread evenly on EM grids. Plasma cleaning is a key step in preparing EM grids for vitrification, especially those with hydrophobic carbon films. The PELCO easiGlow™ Glow Discharge Cleaning System is a highly effective method for cleaning EM grids and turning carbon film surfaces hydrophilic. With a glow discharge treatment, the PELCO easiGlow™ system can modify the surface properties of carbon films, allowing aqueous solutions to spread easily and ensuring even distribution of the sample on the grid. This process is essential for high-quality vitrification and subsequent cryo-EM imaging.
Features
- User-friendly parameter customization
- Versatile hydrophilic/hydrophobic and negative/positive mode support
- Intuitive touch screen interface for easy display and operation
Standard Operation Protocol – PELCO easiGlow
Staff-in-charge: Dr. WANG, Cindy | 3917 9851 | imaging.cpos@hku.hk
