Fluorescence stereomicroscope with computational clearing
The system consists of a fluorescence stereomicroscope (M205 FCA), a camera (DFC9000 GT), an external light source (CoolLED pE-300 white) and a THUNDER Imager workstation for confocal-like image processing by computational clearing. Six filter sets are currently available: DAPI (ex350/em460), Pacific Blue (ex376/em450), GFP1 narrow band (ex470/em510), mCherry (ex560/em630), Cy5 (ex620/em700) and Cy5.5 (ex650/em710). This system is routinely used for transgene screening of zebrafish embryos as well as live imaging of the whole-embryo and at the organ/tissue level.
The microinjection device coupled to this system allows injection/needle-wounding while the specimen is being imaged. In particular, we use this combination for live imaging of the embryos right after the injection/wounding to track the time-sensitive phenomena that could otherwise be overlooked in other microscope approaches.
Nanoparticles (cyan) were intravenously injected into a 2-dpf zebrafish embryo and the imaging of their circulation in the bloodstream was initiated right after the injection.
Stereomicroscope with an integrated camera for teaching and training
We are very proud of having a stereomicroscope with an integrated camera for easy and simultaneous monitoring of the specimen on a display. Students quickly learn about the different developmental stages of zebrafish embryos and how they are handled under the microscope. It has proved especially useful for training of microinjections and needle-wounding. Snapshots and video recording can also be done by a remote controller, if students observe something unusual or worthy reporting to the supervisors ;)
Unlike the microinjector setup coupled to the THUNDER Imager, this microscope is also often used for routine and time-insensitive experiments involving microinjections and needle-wounding.
