MicroBeam Laser Microdissection System Developed for Live-Cell Applications

A MicroBeam laser microdissection system is capable of simultaneous visualization and microdissection under multichannel fluorescence illumination and extended focus. The system sets new standard for contamination-free specimen acquisition in the pharmaceutical industry and life science research.

Carl Zeiss (Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, UK) has developed the Palm MicroBeam, which is built upon the Zeiss Axio Observer research grade inverted microscope. The Palm MicroBeam employs Palm's exclusive laser pressure catapulting (LPC) technology for contamination-free specimen acquisition.

Advanced fluorescence imaging is central to the characterization of biologic specimens, and the new system is ideally suited to live-cell applications. The Palm RoboSoftware may be used to generate single or multichannel images for up to five different wavelengths while the Axio Observer's high-performance filters enable up to 70% higher excitation intensities and allow the use of phase contrast and differential interference contrast (DIC) illumination. Higher excitation intensity also allows the Palm microbeam to reduce exposure times by up to 50%, which ensures minimum risk of bleaching and maximum protection for fragile living cells.

The Palm MicroBeam also overcomes depth of field limitations common to most other manufacturers' systems. The extended focus module within the Zeiss AxioVision software records a series of images at different focus positions through the specimen before automatically extracting the sharp details from each individual frame to calculate a final image that is contrast rich and sharp in every detail.

The combination of fluorescence imaging, extended focus, and non-contact, contamination-free isolation of tissue samples or living cells offers researchers the most extensive capabilities for the molecular analysis of DNA, RNA, proteins, and cells in the microdissection market, said Oliver Clarke, Palm product specialist at Zeiss UK. Combined with the Palm MicroBeam's automated image archiving, researchers can maintain sample custody at all times while operating with consummate precision, speed, versatility, and flexibility.

The Palm MicroBeam takes advantage of the Axio Observer platform by offering a flexible upgrade path through a wide range of options and modules, such as Zeiss AxioCam digital cameras, laser tweezers, and micromanipulation accessories. It is also fully integrated into the Zeiss AxioVision suite of imaging software.


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