Visualising and quantifying biological systems
We use a range of optical microscopy techniques, many are fluorescence-based, to visualise and quantify the properties of biological systems. We can examine:
- peptides and proteins
- mammalian and bacterial cells (2D and 3D cultures)
- multicellular systems (organoids and spheroids)
- model organisms and tissues across scales of length, time and complexity.
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Method |
Summary |
Good for |
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Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM)
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Fast (up to ~ 20 frames per second) super-resolution imaging (lateral resolution ~ 130 nm) |
2D cell cultures, some 3D systems. Live cell imaging. Subcellular dynamics |
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Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy (CLSM) |
High resolution 3D point scanning microscopy |
2D and 3D cell cultures and systems |
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Light Sheet Microscopy (LSM) |
Fast 3D imaging with sub µm spatial resolution over large (mm-sized) sample volumes with reduced light exposure. |
3D cell cultures and multicellular systems, tissues and organisms. Long duration time lapse imaging |
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Two Photon Excited Fluorescence Microscopy (TPEFM) |
Deep 3D imaging inside a range of samples |
2D and 3D cell cultures and systems, tissues and organisms. |
Typical applications include:
- Visualisation and analysis of the structural (dimensional) properties of biological systems
- Timelapse imaging of dynamic systems and processes (e.g. live mammalian and bacterial cells)
- Spatiotemporal imaging of systems under optogenetic control
- Intracellular uptake studies
- Protein and peptide dynamics and structure
- Functional imaging using fluorescent reporters (e.g. cell viability, calcium ion imaging)
- Co-localisation studies
- Measurement of the efficacy and mode of action of therapeutics (e.g. antimicrobials, chemotherapeutics)
These services are delivered using the following equipment:
- Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (Leica Stellaris and Olympus FV-1000)
- Structured Illumination Fluorescence Microscope (custom-built)
- Airy beam light sheet microscope (Aurora, M Squared)
- Upright two photon microscope (custom-built)
- High performance computing systems for image analysis
We also have supporting facilities for cell culture and microbiology (Cat 2 laboratoires), sample preparation (mounting and fluorescent labelling) and optogenetics.
Don’t see what you are looking for? Our diverse skill set enables us to provide bespoke solutions. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Supporting new routes for therapeutic drug delivery
Services
Our team of experts develops and uses range of cutting-edge measurement tools and methods to create new treatments and diagnostics, as well as make current ones more effective.
Research
We develop cutting edge measurement tools and methods to unlock new applications, from drug discovery to synthetic biology. Our knowledge of biophysical measurements helps us understand the relationship between biological systems and processes.
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