Technology innovators in super-resolution microscopy, Amsterdam-based Confocal.nl, reports on the implementation of a new turnkey confocal imaging system in the laboratory of Professor Markus Sauer at the University of Würzburg.
| Amsterdam, NL - 27th November 2018: Technology innovators in super-resolution microscopy, Amsterdam-based Confocal.nl, reports on the implementation of a new turnkey confocal imaging system in the laboratory of Professor Markus Sauer at the University of Würzburg. Professor Markus Sauer is the Chair of the group for biotechnology and biophysics at the University of Würzburg. He is very interested in imaging: “Imaging technologies are central platforms that drive fundamental research in virtually all disciplines across the biological and medical sciences. By seeing how a system looks, functions can be understood and comparison made between healthy and unhealthy systems such as cells, tissue, a whole organism or population, plants, animals and humans.” Professor Sauer’s PhD student, Andreas Kurz, describes how he implemented a new technique called Re-scan Confocal Microscopy (RCM). “We integrated the RCM module from Confocal.nl to our existing single molecule dSTORM setup to establish a new correlative imaging technique. As RCM is based on image scanning, it intrinsically has super-resolution capabilities (170 nm) combined with the advantages of a conventional confocal microscope. Now with this combined correlative imaging setup, a new variety of experiments are possible. Recording dynamic processes and the long-term observation of cell activity followed by resolving the structure of interest, a superb resolution of around 20 nm will now be possible.” Mr Kurz continues to describe the process to select RCM: “Confocal microscopy is an imaging technique with lots of advantages. First of all, it is an easy-to-use tool for routine work in the field of fluorescence. Now with RCM, we have an enhanced version of confocal microscopy which allows the observation of sensitive samples and more complex imaging procedures at a higher resolution than other confocal microscopies. This system is now used to complement other techniques such as structured illumination microscopy, single molecule localisation microscopy setups and light sheet illumination microscopy.” “We ordered our RCM unit from Confocal.nl. Their CTO, Erik Manders, visited to personally assist with the installation and training. Since then, we have had excellent support with updates through software plugins and exchanging applications experiences. Concerning the setup, we had the microscope body already installed (Nikon Eclipse TiE). In addition, we purchased a Skyra multi-line laser unit from Cobolt and an Andor Zyla 4.2 sCMOS camera. It was great to be able to use our existing microscope and then add specific components to, in effect, produce a turnkey set-up to match our demanding needs. Confocal.nl continue to provide a lot of support (local as well as via mail/phone). Having an accessible and manageable team, we get the ease of communication with a personal touch, something I really prefer in this environment.” Concluding, Mr Kurz says “Now, our experimental set-up is a unique, fast-scanning, resolution-enhanced and live-cell capable system configured for both dSTORM and RCM that delivers super-resolution performance. Our main reasons for purchase have been realised in terms of performance of the complete package integrating our existing components at a very fair price. We have found the multi-colour capability with incredibly low laser power very useful for live cell imaging.” Speaking about the installation at Würzburg, Confocal.nl’s CEO, Peter Drent, says “We were extremely pleased to have Professor Sauer’s team select the RCM. They provided precise requirements from which we have been able to configure an excellent, working system with high resolution and sensitivity. While dSTORM is quite an intensive experimental technique involving complex biological and chemical sample preparation, it does provide 20 nm resolution. This is now complemented by RCM also giving super-resolution at 170 nm with minimal sample preparation delivering a simple, instant image.” To learn about the Confocal.nl RCM module and how it may be configured into a high-performance scanning confocal imaging system, please visit www.confocal.nl. This includes a detailed video describing the principle of RCM.
About Confocal.nl At Confocal.nl. we deliver turnkey solutions for the microscopist wanting the best confocal microscope. Applying Re-scan Confocal Microscopy (RCM) developed by Dr Erik Manders, CTO at Confocal.nl, we bring a new approach to provide better, no-nonsense microscopy solutions to the market. In partnership with experienced microscopy entrepreneur. Peter Drent, Erik explains how we do it. “The team at Confocal.nl has extensive experience in the field of microscopy, both in terms of technology and commercial acumen. We have learned to listen to colleagues and clients. We believe we are able to deliver accessible, easy-to-use solutions with better resolution, sensitivity and reproducibility. We also believe that users of microscopy want to have improved confocal microscopy performance at a price that is equally accessible to them. When we talk to prospective users about their confocal expectations, we start by finding out about their current instrumentation. This core information enables us to propose a custom-designed solution at a most affordable price point. Why dispose of perfectly functioning fluorescent microscopes, cameras and lasers when you can upgrade their performance with our Re-scan Confocal Microscopy module? From our growing, worldwide user base, we are confident we have found the best approach: to deliver a turnkey solution using our unique technology where we maximize photon collection and do so at a price a fraction of buying other commercial 3D confocal imaging solutions.”
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