Modular stage inserts, motorized control for laser capture microdissection systems from MDS Analytical
MDS Analytical Technologies (Sunnyvale, CA) has released options to expand and streamline laser capture microdissection (LCM) applications. The options include modular stage inserts for MDS's ArcturusXT and Veritas LCM instruments, and the addition of motorized control for a number of ArcturusXT system components. The offerings enhance the flexibility of the Arcturus LCM instruments to perform sensitive and specific molecular analysis in such fields as stem-cell research, cancer research, proteomics and drug discovery.
The stage inserts promise to eliminate sample preparation constraints for neurobiologists performing microdissection, providing more versatility and flexibility with which to execute experiments. By optimizing the efficiency of the microdissection process through motorization, and having dual laser capabilities, the ArcturusXT instrument provides faster, easier access to pure cell populations, the company says.
The stage inserts for ArcturusXT and Veritas accommodate larger slide formats common to neurological sample preparations. They can be adjusted to hold 25 mm, 38 mm, and 50 mm slides. The two available slide positions may be configured to allow the use of multiple slide sizes during one microdissection session, providing improved experimental flexibility. The inserts enable microdissection on fixed neuronal sections.
For researchers performing applications such as live cell microdissection that take advantage of the ArcturusXT system's Epi-fluorescence, phase contrast or differential interference contrast illumination, workflow is accelerated by motorization of these features. This enhanced motorization augments the automation of the instrument and allows researchers to rapidly switch between brightfield and alternate illumination methods with a single software command. The improved speed and flexibility provided by the new motorized features expand the possibilities within any microdissection experiment, making the entire process faster and simpler for any user.
The Arcturus LCM instruments employ MDS Analytical Technologies' infrared (IR) laser-based capture technology, designed to maintain biomolecule integrity within the microdissected samples for use in downstream analyses. The LCM can be used alone or in combination with the ultraviolet laser cutting option.
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MDS Analytical Technologies