Microscopy & Microtechniques 59 Advanced Microscope Revolutionises Micro-Measurements


Shimadzu introduces AIMsight, an advanced infrared microscope. AIMsight takes the exceptional sensitivity of Shimadzu’s AIM-9000 to the next level with enhanced automation capabilities. Designed for industrial applications in various sectors, AIMsight simplifies complex micro-measurements, making defect analysis more efficient and environmentally friendly.


When connected to a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer, AIMsight, enables micro-region measurements using infrared light reflection and transmission. This is crucial for analysing and identifying micro-contaminants, such as those on pharmaceutical pills, electronic circuit boards, and microplastics.


With the release of AIMsight, Shimadzu caters to the increasing demand for highly sensitive instruments capable of quick, error-free measurements of smaller targets. Its automated features include determining measurement ranges via a wide-field camera, automatic identification of measurement targets, and a contaminant analysis program for automatic analysis.


AIMsight incorporates the T2SL (type-II superlattice) detector, an eco-friendly alternative to traditional mercury or cadmium-based detectors. This quantum infrared detector aligns with the European RoHS Directive, making AIMsight an environmentally responsible choice. The microscope is particularly valuable for researching microplastics, contributing to various fields, including chemistry, electronics, machinery, and transportation.


AIMsight enhances site searches through its dual optical systems, allowing variable digital zooming for precise observation target tracking. With an impressive signal-to-noise ratio (S/N ratio) of 30,000:1, AIMsight excels in sensitivity, particularly for micro-measurements. Furthermore, it incorporates an automatic contaminant analysis program, delivering high-accuracy results and qualitative insights in a matter of seconds.


Shimadzu continually addresses industry challenges, from environmental concerns to automation needs, exemplified by AIMsight’s introduction. More information online: ilmt.co/PL/Op36


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Simplifying Volume Electron Microscopy for Cell Biologists


The Thermo Scientific Hydra Bio Plasma-Focused Ion Beam (Plasma-FIB) is a cutting-edge instrument designed to streamline workflows for cell biologists engaged in volume electron microscopy, whether it involves cryo or resin-embedded samples.


Built upon the industry-standard Thermo Scientific Helios Hydra DualBeam platform, the Hydra Bio Plasma-FIB stands as a versatile, multi-application solution catering to volume electron microscopy and sample preparation in the cryo-electron tomography workflow. From studying tissues to delving into proteins, this instrument acts as a bridge, facilitating the transition from cryo-EM to room temperature analysis and vice versa. By offering this simplicity, it empowers cell biologists to channel more of their valuable time and effort into advancing intricate research projects.


With the Hydra Bio Plasma-FIB, researchers can explore a wide array of microscopy techniques, including FIB-SEM serial sectioning (both at room temperature and in cryogenic conditions), array tomography, and cryo-electron tomography. This flexibility empowers biomedical researchers to unravel the three-dimensional intricacies of cells, tissues, and small organisms at a remarkable nanometer resolution.


Users can seamlessly switch between four distinct ion species (Xe, Ar, O, and N) to optimise their approach according to the specific demands of each sample.


By employing the cryogenic mode, researchers can delve into cellular architecture in its native state, achieving exceptional contrast. This approach enables the exploration of sub-cellular intricacies in high-pressure-frozen and plunge-frozen samples, eliminating the need for staining.


The room temperature mode allows cell biologists can now gain insights into large sample areas and visualise areas of interest with the Spin Mill Bio Method. This innovative technique generates large area planar-milling results similar in size to microtome slicing, but with slice thicknesses as minimal as 5 nm. It facilitates the preparation of clean, smooth surfaces, which are then utilised for locating regions of interest and subsequent imaging in both 2D and 3D.


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/mV4q 61189pr@reply-direct.com


CE-IVD Certified Digital Live Microscope for Clinical Use


German digital microscopy company PreciPoint has announced the launch of its iO:M8 Digital Live Microscope, which recently received CE-IVD certification under the new IVDR regulation. The microscope is designed to digitise intra-operative examinations during cancer surgery and provides high-resolution, real-time images of samples.


The iO:M8 can accommodate up to four slides simultaneously, making it easy to use and providing pathologists with more information about the tissue removed during surgery.


PreciPoint has received numerous awards and recognition, including Top Employer 2023 and Top100 Innovator 2022, for its bespoke solutions to bridge the gap between digital workflows and pathologists. More information online: ilmt.co/PL/WM7n


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New FLIM Functionality for Enhanced Raman Microscopy


Renishaw has collaborated with Becker & Hickl GmbH, specialists in time-correlated single photon counting (TCSPC), to integrate fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) functionality into its inVia™ confocal Raman microscope. This combination of Raman and FLIM in a single instrument provides pixel-to-pixel correlation between FLIM and Raman images, enhancing sample analysis across a wide range of applications.


The integrated system utilises a pulsed laser to interact with a fluorophore, and measures the fluorescence lifetime with the aid of an advanced detector and high-speed electronics. This lifetime refers to the duration that a fluorophore remains in an excited electronic state, emitting a photon as it returns to the ground state. By analyzing the decay of fluorescence, it is possible to observe changes in molecular conformation due to its sensitivity to the molecular environment. The FLIM technique has the versatility to explore various properties such as pH/ion/oxygen concentration and molecular binding.


FLIM and Raman microscopy are two complementary label-free imaging methods used in the analysis of biological cells and tissue sections. FLIM enables the visualisation of molecular interactions, and its imaging speed is at least 10 times faster than that of Raman imaging. Raman spectroscopy provides high chemical specificity and high-resolution chemical images. Combining these techniques allows for the rapid


identification of regions of interest using FLIM, followed by detailed chemical and structural analysis using Raman imaging.


The FLIM data analysis is supported by the Becker & Hickl software, which offers comprehensive features such as multi-exponential, incomplete, and shifted-component analysis models. Additionally, the software includes a proprietary phasor analysis tool that can differentiate between lifetime populations. The Renishaw MS30 high-speed encoded stage is employed for both imaging modalities, enabling direct overlay of fluorescence lifetime and Raman images with high accuracy.


Renishaw Spectroscopy Business Development Manager, David Reece, commented: “We are pleased to announce a further enhancement to our award-winning inVia Raman microscope. Our collaboration with the leaders in FLIM technology, Becker and Hickl, has produced a combined FLIM Raman microscope leading to exciting new application areas.”


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/GbzW and ilmt.co/PL/D358 60110pr@reply-direct.com


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