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.

Director
William J. Hendry III, PhD

Equipment Managers
Raj Logan, PhD (confocal)
Kandatege Wimalasena, PhD (widefield)
Moriah Beck, PhD (TIRF)

Core Techician
Meris Carte, MS

Leica TCS SP5 II Confocal Microscope	The Leica TCS SP5 II is a confocal laser scanning microscope with capabilities in fluorescence imaging and 3D reconstruction. The system includes a range of high-quality objective lenses, including oil-immersion, with different magnifications and numerical apertures to suit various applications. It can perform multi-dimensional imaging, including time-lapse, Z-stack, and multi-channel imaging, enabling the acquisition of 3D datasets. It can perform spectral imaging, allowing the separation of overlapping fluorophores by collecting full emission spectra at each pixel. It can acquire images in multiple fluorescence channels simultaneously, enabling colocalization studies and the observation of multiple fluorophores within the same sample. Leica's software includes image processing and analysis tools for data quantification and visualization. Funds to purchase this microscope came from the Center of Innovation for Biomaterials in Orthopaedic Research (CIBOR) at Wichita State University's National Institute for Aviation Research. Contact Dr. Raj Logan for training and use.
Nikon Eclipse Ti-S	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. 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. Contact Dr. Kandetege Wimalasena for training and use.
Olympus TIRF	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. 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. Contact Dr. Moriah Beck for training and use.
Nikon Eclipse E800	The Nikon Eclipse E800 is an upright microscope and features an advanced optical system designed for exceptional image clarity and brightness. 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. Contact Dr. William Hendry for training and use.