Microscopic Imaging Core

The goal of the Microscopic Imaging Core is to provide the equipment, support, and training needed by faculty and students to perform advanced cell biology, biochemistry, and histopathology studies with both fixed and live specimens. Users are encouraged to contact the instrument managers to discuss their equipment needs.

Microscopes

Photo of confocal microscope and desk setup. Desk includes two monitors.

Zeiss LSM 910 Airyscan Microscope

The Zeiss LSM 910 Airyscan is a confocal laser scanning microscope with superresolution capabilities for fluorescence imaging and 3D reconstruction.

Equipment

The Zeiss LSM 910 Airyscan confocal microscope features solid state lasers for efficient excitation. Axio Observer with Definite Focus inverted microscope allows to keep sample cells in focus for timelapse experiments and to stabilize focus with temperature change (drifting). This system features a condenser equipped with AI Sample Finder, a multi-well plateholder, docking station for remotely focusing the microscope, and dark incubator box for temperature, humidity, and CO₂ regulation. Airyscan technology enables superresolution microscopy by collecting more light and allows higher spatial frequency information of a structure to be captured. Funds to purchase this microscope came from a Track 1 Major Research Instrumentation program award from the National Science Foundation.

Email biomicfac@wichita.edu for training and use.

Nikon Eclipse E800 Microscope

The Nikon Eclipse E800 is an upright microscope and features an advanced optical system designed for exceptional image clarity and brightness.

Equipment

A range of high-quality objective lenses with various magnifications and numerical apertures suit different microscopy applications. The E800 has fluorescence filter sets and fluorescence light sources for observing fluorescently labeled samples. It supports various observation modes, including brightfield, phase contrast, differential interference contrast (DIC), and polarized light, in addition to fluorescence. A trinocular head enables simultaneous observation through the eyepieces and the attachment of a camera for documentation or imaging purposes. The microscope employs Köhler illumination, a method for optimizing sample illumination, which helps enhance image quality.

Email Dr. William Hendry for training and use.

Olympus total internal reflection fluorescence microscope. Monitor with keyboard and mouse on the table next to the microscope.

Olympus TIRF Microscope

Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy is ideal for visualizing structures in the immediate vicinity (~100 nm) of the coverslip including cell membrane structure and dynamics, but is also ideal for resolving single molecules such as actin filament polymerization and cytoskeletal motility assays.

Equipment

The system operates by bouncing a laser beam off of the coverslip so that photons never hits the specimen directly; yet, the radiating evanescent wave is sufficient to illuminate fluorescent structures nearby. The result is superior signal-to-noise since structures outside the focal plane are never illuminated. TIRF microscopy is also suitable for studying membrane dynamics in living cells since the laser does not induce damage. The TIRF system consists of an Olympus IX81 with ZDC stage control fitted with a single 488 nm laser to accommodate a wide range of experimental demands. Phase contrast, DIC and widefield fluorescence modalities are also available. The microscope has 10x and 20x NA 0.4 dry and 60x NA 1.45 and 63X NA 1.40 oil objectives. The EM-CCD camera is a Rolera Thunder and Metamorph Advanced imaging software is regularly updated with ongoing support from Olympus engineers. Funds to purchase this microscope were provided by a K-INBRE Core Facility grant from an Institutional Development Award (IDeA) from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under grant number P20GM103418 with matching funds from the WSU Chemistry Department, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Department of Biological Sciences, National Center of Innovation for Biomaterials in Orthopaedic Research (CIBOR) at Wichita State University's National Institute for Aviation Research, and M. Beck’s start-up funds.

Email Dr. Moriah Beck for training and use.

Nikon Eclipse Ti-S Microscope

The Nikon Eclipse Ti-S is an inverted microscope making it suitable for live cell imaging, cell culture work, and other applications where specimens are grown on the bottom of culture dishes or slides.

Equipment

The microscope includes motorized components. These features allow for automated and precise control of the microscope, making it suitable for multi-dimensional imaging and high-throughput applications. It supports fluorescence microscopy with the capability to accommodate multiple fluorescence filter sets and light sources, allowing for multi-channel fluorescence imaging and colocalization studies. The Ti-S features high-quality objectives and optics, ensuring excellent image quality and clarity. The Ti-S uses Köhler illumination for optimized sample illumination. Dedicated software for controlling and acquiring images with the Ti-S makes it easy to set up experiments and acquire data.

Email Dr. Kandetege Wimalasena for training and use.