Biological imaging laboratory

Biological imaging laboratory

Funding: FINEP (Multi-user National Centers 02/2016), agreement 01.17.0024-00

The Biological Imaging Laboratory offers external users the opportunity to use its Leica TCS SP8 STED 3X inverted super-resolution confocal microscope. This device can reach resolutions beyond the limit of light diffraction for nanoscopy in X, Y, and Z (up to 50 nm). The facility is open to researchers investigating the subcellular details of in vivo or fixed biological samples using confocal laser scanning mode, 3D reconstruction, colocalization, time lapse, FRAP, FRET, and spectral separation.

Super-Resolution (STED) Microscope

Operating mode

This microscope is fully compatible with regular confocal preparations (namely for the Leica TCS SP8), including histological sections of blocks embedded in paraffin, OCT, resins, agarose, gelatin, etc. The confocal technique can measure thick samples (up to 300 micrometers) after clarification processes. It has a stitching module, and can create panoramic images from multiple regions and positions. Along with a 405 nm light source, the microscope uses a pulsed white light laser (WLL) that allows the use of up to 8 channels from 470 to 670 nm, with 1 nm wavelength resolution. Gating capture is also possible by activating the detector and the laser source to deplete background autofluorescence and/or measure fluorescence lifetime. It is located in the Biological Imaging Laboratory and includes a TMC anti-vibration table, an uninterrupted power supply system, and is connected to data storage for remote access.

Useful information

Technical specifications: 775 nm STED depletion laser Objectives: HC PL Apo CS2 10x/0.40 dry; HC PL Apo CS2 20x/0.75 dry; HC PL Apo CS2 63x/1.40 oil; HC PL Apo CS2 100x/1.40 oil. Detectors: 2 PMT, 2 hybrids (gated), 1 TLD. Transmission capture and DIC available

User access: submit proposals via SAU Online

Please note: Contact the lab team to discuss the preparation of your sample while drafting your proposal.

How to send my proposal: learn more about submitting a research proposal

Contact:
Thayna Mendonça Avelino (Lattes CV)
Adjunct researcher
lib@lnbio.cnpem.br