Service Centre category(ies)
Description of the Service Centre
The Microscopy Unit, at the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (MICC-CNC), is a centralized facility where users receive the support required to carry out conventional and advanced imaging techniques, based on Light Microscopy. The unit has combined resources to provide state-of-the-art equipment that is open to all researchers. We offer the same services to academic investigators or companies.
Service Centre web address
http://www.cnbc.pt/equipment/microscopyUnit.asp
Contact person's name
Luísa Cortes
Contact person's e-mail
lcortes@cnc.uc.pt
Contact person's telephone
351239820190
Last edited on
2015-03-18 10:39:59
Service
Advance Light Microscopy
Available for external use?
Yes
Comments
The Microscopy Unit @ CNC offers a wide range of different instruments for your research, from epifluorescence microscopy, to high-speed confocal microscopy and laser catapulting microdissection. The systems are prepared for advanced applications, including live cell imaging, and single-cell calcium measurement, enabling researchers to image dynamic events and molecular interactions. All equipment within the Microscopy Unit is available to everyone working in the CNC and guest workers.
Equipment
Zeiss/PALM Laser Microdissection Microscope
Service type: self-service or full-service?
Full-service
Comments
The equipment utilizes a UV laser pulsed microbeam for microdissection. The isolated tissue or cell is then recovered by laser pressure catapult into a microfuge tube cap. Fluorescence optics is available for work with cells tagged with green fluorescent protein or other fluorescent markers. For full information about the equipment please visit our webpage.
Equipment
Zeiss LSM 510 Meta Confocal Microscope
Service type: self-service or full-service?
Full-service
Comments
Inverted confocal laser scanning microscope with automated stage control, three detector channels for fluorescence and one transmitted light channel. Its META detector can be used for spectral detection and subsequent linear unmixing of overlapping fluorescent staining. For full information about the equipment please visit our webpage.
Equipment
Live Cell Imaging Workstation
Service type: self-service or full-service?
Full-service
Comments
The Live Cell Imaging Workstation is based on a Carl Zeiss Axio Observer Z1, a fully motorised inverted wide field microscope. The workstation has environmental control (temperature, CO2 and humidity), allowing imaging for long periods of time. The microscope has a motorised stage that allows multi-positions acquisitions.
Equipment
Zeiss LSM 710 (34 channels)
Service type: self-service or full-service?
Full-service
Comments
The Carl Zeiss LSM 710 is a confocal point-scanning microscope able to generate high-resolution three-dimensional images of thick specimens with high sensitivity and low photodamage. It is based on Axio-Observer Z1 inverted microscope body, with motorized XY stage, and has live cell imaging facilities (stage insert for temperature and CO2 control). The LSM 710 scanning unit has a spectral recycling loop, and a QUASAR detection unit (34 PMTs). Applications include for example timelapse imaging, photobleaching experiments, colocalization studies, spectral detection and 3D imaging.
Equipment
Zeiss Cell Observer Spinning Disk
Service type: self-service or full-service?
Full-service
Comments
The Cell Observer Spinning Disk (SD) is a live cell imaging platform for high-speed confocal imaging using the CSU-X1M spinning disc technology from Yokogawa and one highly sensitive electron multiplying camera (EM-CCD Evolve Delta). This system is based on a motorized Carl Zeiss Axio Observer Z1 inverted scope with Definite Focus, multi-channel acquisition, piezo x/y/z stage, DirectFRAP unit, and a full environmental chamber for temperature and atmosphere control. The Definite Focus system allows for long-term time-lapse experiments without any focus drifts. In addition, the DirectFRAP is the ideal solution for any type of laser manipulation in the living cell – FRAP, FLIP, photoactivation or conversion.
Equipment
Zeiss Axio Imager Z2
Service type: self-service or full-service?
Full-service
Comments
The Axio Imager Z2 system is a fully motorized upright widefield microscope, which is ideal for quantitative analysis. Moreover, the system can perform structured illumination acquisitions by means of ApoTome2. The system is equipped with a CCD monochromatic digital camera (Axiocam HRm) and a CCD color digital camera (Axiocam HRc). Stereological studies are also possible using StereoInvestigator software.
Equipment
Calcium Imaging System
Service type: self-service or full-service?
Full-service
Comments
The Calcium Imaging System is based on an inverted widefield microscope designed for single cell calcium measurements. It is equipped with a Lambda-DG4 xenon lamp, allowing fast wavelength switching. Additionally, its sensitive cooled CCD camera (Roper Scientific CoolSnap EQ CCD) allows you to capture weak fluorescent signals and minimize photobleaching/ photodamage in light sensitive samples. The MetaFluor Imaging Software is designed for dual-wavelength intracellular ion measurements. Two different indicators can be imaged and measured simultaneously to provide greater insight to ion exchange and intracellular function regardless of dye loading concentrations, conditions, or emission intensities.