Expertise
Imaging Platforms
Keywords - Light Microscopy: Live cell imaging | Confocal microscopy | Widefield Microscopy | Holographic Microscopy | High throughput-High Content Microscopy
We have a range of light microscopes within our core facility based on the St James's University Hospital campus providing high resolution, fluorescence, high throughput-high content and live cell imaging monitoring capabilities. The facility currently houses 8 light imaging systems and is constantly looking to resource new technologies that can help to improve our understanding of cell biology.
Applications
Keywords – Biological: Cell Biology | Developmental Biology | Plant Biology | Microbiology | Histology/Pathology | Neurobiology | Immunobiology | Bio-materials | Food
Our microscopes can be used for a range of applications including both fixed and live cell imaging, cell migration/invasion, angiogenesis, FRAP and FRET applications imaging.
As a heavily used core facility supporting a diverse range of biological disciplines, there are an extensive list of applications that are carried out within the facility. Although the list of applications is extensive, it is not exhaustive and support staff are continually working alongside our researchers to modify and develop new applications to meet ever changing research needs.
Sample Preparation
Keywords - Biological: Immunofluorescence | Immunolabelling | H&E staining | Live cell | Holographic Imaging
Our core facility provides support on image capture, processing and analysis, and as such, our users provide samples already prepared for immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry. For live cell imaging, we are able to provide local facilities for tissue culture prior to imaging.
Data Analysis
Keywords - Software: ImageJ | Volocity | NIS-Elements | Columbus | Harmony | TissueGnostics | IncuCyte Zoom Software
Keywords - Hardware: Nikon A1R Confocal | Sartorius IncuCyte Zoom | Nikon TiEclipse | Nikon BioStation IM | PHI Holomonitor M4 | Perkin Elmer Operetta | BioTek Cytation 5
A number of dedicated offline PC analysis workstations are available to process and analyse data obtained on our equipment or other external equipment. Help and guidance on the best analysis approaches, plus the development of analysis protocols are available and arranged through discussion with the facility manager.
Shared Access
The facility is open-access with no precedence given to internal users or external users. However, please contact the facility manager in the first instance to discuss requirements and training. Training is compulsory to use all equipment and access to the online booking system requires sign off post-training session.
The microscopes and cytometers are charged at an hourly rate for non-assisted sessions. Use of offline analysis PC Suite with our 5 analysis computers is free of charge.
Funding
The facility was established with support from The Wellcome Trust, BBSRC, CRUK, Yorkshire Cancer Research, Candlelighters, and the University of Leeds