Broadly, light microscopy techniques can be divided into two categories: brightfield and fluorescence. In brightfield microscopy, the light source and detection objective are placed on opposite sides of the sample, and the sample is imaged by its effect on the light passing through it as the sample absorbs, scatters, or deflects the light.1

Meanwhile, fluorescence microscopy uses fluorescent dyes—molecules that absorb one wavelength of light (the excitation wavelength) and emit a second, longer wavelength of light (the emission wavelength). Most molecules in the cell are not very fluorescent, so fluorescent labels to be imaged are typically introduced by the experimenter. This allows the labels to be targeted to the molecule(s) of interest, either by genetically encoding a fluorescent protein or by binding a fluorescently labeled antibody. Multiple different fluorescent molecules can be distinguished simultaneously and can be detected at very low abundance, making this a very powerful technique.1

That power is important in today’s competitive scientific environment, where generating publication-quality images is critical. For cell analysis and imaging, researchers can benefit from the use of a versatile microscope suited for a broad range of applications, including cell culture, time-lapse imaging, and high-resolution image capture from slides, dishes, flasks and microplates.

Which imaging solution works for you depends on your lab’s specific needs. For example, full automation versus semi-automation versus manual is an important consideration. For many labs, the ability to image in both brightfield and fluorescence is critical.

Cell culture workhorse

Thermo Fisher Scientific’s EVOS M3000 Imaging system can quickly capture images in brightfield, phase contrast, color imaging, and fluorescence. It is designed to be the workhorse of any cell culture or research laboratory.

The patent-pending EVOS Real-time Confluency Tool can measure confluency in less than 1 second without requiring any image capture. Pre-trained using multiple common cell lines, the confluency tool automatically reports the confluency of the culture as it is moved over the stage in real-time. This removes inconsistency across multiple users and helps save time and energy compared with manual estimation.

EVOS microscopes are designed with scientists’ workspace and workflow needs in mind. Components and controls are integrated into a single, lightweight system that fits on a benchtop, inside a hood, and can easily be moved to classrooms, teaching labs, and conference rooms. The size and portability of microscopes let researchers capture and view images when and where needed.

Lastly, the imaging systems require no training as a large, bright, high-definition touchscreen allows users to view cells outside the confines of a darkroom and facilitates safe collaboration in nearly any space. There’s no need to remove safety goggles to look through an ocular eyepiece. This minimizes difficult inter-user decontamination and facilitates both collaboration and safety.

References

1. Thorn K. A quick guide to light microscopy in cell biology. Mol Biol Cell. 2016 Jan 15;27(2):219-22. doi: 10.1091/mbc.E15-02-0088. PMID: 26768859; PMCID: PMC4713126.