Specialized Microscopy Systems at BIC
The BIC facility has several specialized microscopy systems that are optimized for various applications.
LaVision Light-Sheet Microscope
The light-sheet microscope from LaVision Biotech (UltraMicroscope II) is for whole tissue imaging using cleared transparent tissue. The microscope is optimized for organic solvent-based clearing methods such as 3DISCO (iDisco).
Specifications
- Laser lines (nm): 405, 488, 561, 639, 785
- Objectives: 2X with 0.63X to 6.3X adjustment (total magnification is 1.26X to 12.6X), WD = approximately 5.6 mm
- Extra: Tiling and Dynamic horizontal focus. For long working distance objectives (1.1X, 4X, 12X), please contact the BIC facility
- Software: ImSpector and TeraStitcher for stitching
Vizgen MERSCOPE Spatial transcriptomics
MERSCOPE from Vizgen is a specialized imaging system designed for spatial transcriptomics imaging, driven by MERFISH (Multiplexed Error-Robust Fluorescence in situ Hybridization) technology. MERFISH technology is built upon an RNA imaging-based technique called single molecule FISH and combinatorial barcoding scheme. This technique identifies nucleic acids in their native tissue environment with sub-cellular resolution.
To utilize MERSCOPE, you apply a gene panel on your sample, choosing from pre-designed or custom panels for 140, 300, 500 or 1000 genes, depending on your research needs, follow 3-4 days hybridization protocol and then image the sample in the instrument using 60x oil objective. Compatible tissue is fresh or fixed frozen sections, cell cultures, and FFPE samples. Please note that the sample must be mounted on Vizgen slides, the sections mounted on common slide glass are not compatible.
BIC provides protocols for sample preparations and training on the instrument usage with a mock sample. Slides, sample verification or imaging kits and gene panels for the experiment are ordered directly from Vizgene by the researches.
For all questions, please contact bic@ki.se.