Company Workshop Schedule

The new FLUOVIEW FV4000 laser scanning microscope

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Evident

Buelent Peker

Workshop Room 4A

Join us for an immersive EVIDENT workshop centered around the groundbreaking FLUOVIEW FV4000 confocal microscope. Tailored for imaging core facilities, this workshop offers a hands-on exploration of the latest advancements and cutting-edge capabilities of the FV4000.

Throughout the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to explore advanced imaging technologies enabled by the state-of-the-art FV4000. From its revolutionary SilVIR™ detector, boasting unparalleled sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio, and dynamic range, to its high-speed imaging capabilities and AI-based noise reduction, discover how the FV4000 can elevate your facility's imaging capabilities to new heights.

A New Flexible Benchtop Microscope Range with Super-resolution Capabilities: Scaling Biology and Growing with Research Needs

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Oxford Instruments Andor

Geraint Wilde

Workshop Room 4B

In response to fluorescence microscopy being increasingly used by researchers as a routine experimental tool and wanting to facilitate easier access to higher-end performance technology, a couple of years ago Andor introduced the BC43 a high-performance high-speed confocal benchtop microscope to the market.  Having been enthusiastically received by the research community we are taking a step further, making the Andor Benchtop microscope even more accessible depending on needs and/or budget, adding new high-end technical capabilities, whilst strictly maintaining the ease-of-use ethos of the BC43.  

The result is a NEW Benchtop Microscope range offering an entry level widefield epifluorescence model which can then extend its capabilities to:

1. Higher-quality haze-free images and 3D imaging of relatively thin samples like cell cultures, tissue sections, some microbiology models.
2. Confocal, through an in-field upgrade, extending the imaging capabilities to deep haze-free 3D imaging in samples like organoids, slice cultures, cleared tissue and small model organisms (e.g. Zebrafish, c.Elegans, drosophila). 
3. Super-resolution delivering 2.5x to 2.8x resolution improvement (depending on widefield or confocal comparison) for more detailed investigations into cellular anatomy, subcellular structure and some microbiology models.

This benchtop microscope platform can more readily scale to different budgets, offer more affordable, and hopefully attainable, upgrade paths to track the imaging demands of evolving research projects such as moving to more challenging multicellular models or resolving in more detail.  In its full capacity the BC43 Benchtop Microscope becomes a comprehensive multiscale imaging solution retaining its all-important ease-of-use. 

Join us as we introduce the new models and demonstrate their capabilities.

Pushing Boundaries in FLIM to Enhance Efficiency, Quality and Reproducibility

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

PicoQuant

Isabel Gross, Fabio Barachati, Marcelle Koenig, Maria Loidolt-Krueger, Ellen Schmeyer, Matthias Patting, Marcus Sackrow, Uwe Ortmann, Evangelos Sisamakis, Felix Koberling, Rainer Erdmann

Workshop Room 5

Quantitative time-resolved fluorescence techniques like Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) have become more attractive recently to study mechanisms driven by phase separation or to sense the cellular environment, for example. 

PicoQuant`s innovative confocal microscope Luminosa combines state-of-the-art hardware with cutting edge software to deliver high quality data while simplifying daily operation. The software includes several features which improve the ease of use and reproducibility of experiments, including context-based workflows, sample-free auto-alignment and excitation laser power calibration. Still, if required for new method development every optomechanical component can be fully accessible.

We will show how FLIM is streamlined with Luminosa. Luminosa’s rapidFLIM hardware can record several frames per second with high photon count rates, which the software handles with a novel dynamic binning format. In combination with GPU-accelerated algorithms, this enables high-speed automated analysis of FLIM images. The InstaFLIM analysis workflow suggests the best fitting model based on statistical arguments, requiring minimal user interaction. The optional NovaFLIM software package enables more extensive and advanced image analysis.

Many recent initiatives have focused their efforts on improving the aspects of Quality Assessment (QA), Quality Control (QC), and reproducibility in time-resolved fluorescence microscopy. In another push, an increasing number of funding and research institutions commit to FAIR principles as well as promoting open-science initiatives. 

The design of Luminosa`s software makes all data easily accessible. It works with the open, well documented PTU data format, enabling custom analysis. Moreover, it includes various data export options.

Two simultaneous system demos: all-new AxL Cleared Tissue LightSheet (ASLM for ultrafast imaging of cleared specimens) and Marianas with Vector3 (spinning TIRF and photomanipulation)

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

3i - Intelligent Imaging Innovations

Benjamin Atkinson

Workshop Room 6

AxL Cleared Tissue LightSheet - Axially Swept Light Sheet Microscopy System for Ultrafast Imaging of Cleared Specimens

AxL Cleared Tissue LightSheet (AxL CTLS) is a fully automated macro zoom microscope with high NA apochromatic objectives and dual-sided light sheet illumination for imaging whole organs to small animals. Custom-designed excitation objectives and patented axially swept light sheet microscopy (ASLM) produce an exceptionally thin, long and uniform lightsheet for large-scale high-resolution imaging. ASLM scans the light sheet in its propagation direction using high-speed remote focusing synchronized to the rolling shutter readout of an sCMOS camera at the size of the beam waist. This approach creates an exceptionally thin light sheet across a large field of view resulting in images with improved optical sectioning and signal-to-noise. This scanned sheet features a constant laser intensity across the field of view for an evenly illuminated image. The 0.14NA excitation objective creates a 2μm thin waist for superior axial resolution. AxL CTLS is designed to operate optimally across a range of 1.33 to 1.56 refractive indices ensuring compatibility across all available clearing methods. The large field of view of AxL CTLS enables ultrafast imaging of whole organs to small animals. An entire mouse can be prescanned in less than 60 seconds, imaged in 20 minutes and high resolution ASLM scanned in 9 hours revealing neuronal connectivity.

Vector3 - Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) and Photomanipulation Module

Vector3 is a motorized, spinning TIRF illuminator with three key imaging modalities: TIRF, photomanipulation and widefield epifluorescence. Intelligent beam steering and optical design allow for all three imaging modes to be combined in one compact device. Vector3 offers an expansive TIRF field of view (FN20) designed for modern sCMOS cameras. Spinning the excitation beam around the back aperture of the imaging objective creates an even TIRF field without shadows or polarization artifacts. A motorized scan lens corrects for sample height variation and ensures ideal TIRF illumination and photomanipulation spot size across the visible spectrum. An easy-to-use user interface in SlideBook allows users to optimize the excitation angle between TIRF and HILO for imaging thicker samples. Photobleaching, photoconversion, and photoablation events of user-drawn ROIs are easily scripted into image acquisition. In this workshop, we will highlight the large field of view and ease-of-use of Vector3 for TIRF and photomanipulation experiments.

MI-SIM Revealed: Revolutionizing Live Cell Observation with Dynamic, High-Speed Super-Resolution Imaging

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

CSR Biotech

Ke Du

Workshop Room 7

Explore the new frontier of live cell imaging with our MI-SIM super-resolution microscope. Exceptional in its capabilities, MI-SIM boasts a spatial resolution surpassing 60 nm and an impressive imaging speed of up to 1500 fps. As a high-performance, user-centric system, MI-SIM is designed to be future-proof, facilitating dynamic observations of living cells with unparalleled spatial and temporal resolution.

Our workshop offers an insightful overview of MI-SIM:

1. **MI-SIM Principles**: Understand the innovative workings of the MI-SIM.
2. **Unique Features**: Discover MI-SIM's real-time SIM at 60 nm super-resolution, long-term tracking, and various imaging modalities.
3. **Applications**: Explore the diverse research applications of MI-SIM.
4. **Q&A Session**: An opportunity to ask questions and gain deeper insights.

The workshop also features demonstrations of MI-SIM’s key functionalities:

• **Innovative Hardware**: Get introduced to the all-in-one system, its advanced light path, and high-speed control.
• **Real-Time SIM**: Observe our system’s ability to preview at 85 nm resolution, clearly visualizing intricate cellular structures beyond standard methods.
• **2D/3D Imaging Options**: Learn about the 25 imaging modes available, catering to different sample types like bright field, widefield, TIRF, 2D-SIM, TIRF-SIM, and 3D-SIM.
• **Image Reconstruction**: Discover how optical and sparse super-resolution enhance imaging results.

This workshop is an ideal platform to witness the transformative impact of the MI-SIM microscope in the realm of super resolution microscopy. It’s a unique opportunity to see how MI-SIM can elevate research capabilities in various scientific fields.

 The super-resolution capabilities of MI-SIM enable the clear visualization of mitochondrial inner membrane structures in living cells

Are you ready to begin your dSTORM journey? An introduction to the Nanoimager and the dSTORM Training Kit

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

ONI

Franky Djutanta, Pip Timmins

Workshop Room 8

The Nanoimager is a compact and state-of-the-art microscope, offering quantitative analysis for localization-based imaging (dSTORM and PALM), single-particle tracking and single-molecule FRET.

The Nanoimager is designed to operate on a standard lab bench and has a footprint smaller than a piece of A4 paper, making it more accessible to researchers.

The ONI Training Kit™ for dSTORM is designed to provide a simple workflow for new and existing users to learn the fundamentals of single-molecule localization microscopy. Purchase of the training kit gives a free pass to one of our certified ‘Live from the Lab’ On-line training courses.

This workshop is intended for people who are new to dSTORM imaging or who want to brush up on their knowledge. 

Workshop attendees will receive a 10% discount voucher to be redeemed against the purchase of a Training Kit

Fast and deep confocal imaging with Line REscan NL5+

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Confocal.nl B.V

Anna Fehér, Dušan Popov-Čeleketić

Workshop Room 10

KEYWORDS: fast confocal imaging, live cell imaging, deep imaging, REscan 

Confocal.nl developed the second generation of fast Line REscan confocal technologies. Using Line REscan technology, a confocal microscope can achieve higher temporal resolution, and simultaneously reduce the phototoxicity, allowing long term live cell imaging. The combination of camera-based detection and the slit pinhole design provides higher sensitivity and unprecedented signal-to-noise ratio. At the same time, the sectioning capability of a standard confocal microscope is fully maintained.  

The NL5+ delivers outstanding results in studying biological processes such as fast live cell dynamics, especially where high spatial and temporal resolution are required. It provides high-contrast images from thicker specimens such as organoid models and model organisms. By providing very gentle conditions for your live samples, NL5+ is the optimum choice for long time-lapse experiments and the imaging of dim samples. 

Adding NL5+ to any widefield fluorescence microscope will turn it into an advanced fast scanning confocal imaging system. The flexibility in the choice of components allows you to build a future-proof, confocal system for live cell imaging.  

Dynamics in Life: The ZEISS Lattice SIM family for Super-resolution across scales

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Carl Zeiss Microscopy

Chris Power¹, Ed Rea²

¹Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH, Germany. ²Carl Zeiss Ltd, United Kingdom

Workshop Room 11A

Understanding dynamic behaviour is vital to gaining insights into biological processes. Across all scales, dynamics provide a crucial insight, from movement of organisms, organs or cells, developmental changes in organisms or tissues to cell-cell interactions and intracellular molecular behaviour which one often cannot observe due to phototoxicity, slow acquisitions or too complicated software. ZEISS offers a wide range of systems & software to observe & analyse samples with minimal light exposure at high speed down to molecular resolution. 

The ZEISS Lattice SIM super-resolution technology has taken research beyond the diffraction limit of conventional microscopy, giving you gentle super-resolution imaging with incredibly high speed and the ability to image deeper into challenging samples beyond 120 nm.  Lattice SIM² uses a 2D Lattice pattern that only requires translation, no rotation, for improved speed and higher contrast for deeper penetration into samples. SIM Apotome mode uses 2D striped illumination also without rotation for ultra-fast, exceptional optical sectioning. In combination with our SIM² reconstruction algorithm, both technologies keep pushing SIM to a new level.

Technology that enables imaging the details of biological samples with super-resolution is great, but each application comes with specific challenges and requirements, for example: imaging speed to capture dynamics, large fields of view and excellent 3D capabilities for contextual imaging of larger samples, sensitivity to image delicate samples, or resolution at the edge of what's physically possible to reveal subcellular ultrastructure. 

If you wish you could meet these requirements for each of your samples in the best possible way, while remaining flexible across scales, then join us at elmi2024 to be introduced to a new family of ZEISS imaging systems that will allow you to reveal cellular behavior and inter-cellular dynamics, the vibrant sub-organelle network of life, and life across scales-down to molecular details. 

TauSTED Xtend – New tools for gentle live imaging at remarkable nanoscale

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Leica Microsystems

Ulf Schwarz, Luis Alvarez, Julia Roberti, Frank Hecht

Workshop Room 11C

The goal of scientific research is to understand the workings of nature. Given the complex interplay of biomolecules, molecular machines, and higher-order cellular structures, confocal imaging emerged as a fundamental tool owing to the optical sectioning, sensitivity, and the temporal and spatial resolution capabilities.

Imaging intricate cellular structures at nanoscale resolution while characterizing the dynamics of multiple species in the context of live specimens are emerging avenues followed to shed light on biological processes. With the advent of STED (Stimulated Emission Depletion), researchers have realized the visualization of intracellular structures at the nanoscale, unveiling insights into cellular behavior, interactions, and function.

In this workshop, we will demonstrate how our innovative TauSTED Xtend enables gentle imaging of live and fixed samples at the nanoscale. We will show how advances in our TauSTED¹ approach to optical nanoscopy deliver cutting-edge resolution and image quality at low light dose, key to accessing fast nanoscale dynamics of cellular processes. We will also show how fluorescence lifetime information can be used for multiplex imaging of different markers, keeping the nanoscopic resolution.

Reference 

1. L. A. J. Alvarez, U. Schwarz, L. Friedrich, J. Fölling, F. Hecht, and M. J. Roberti (2020). Pushing STED beyond its limits with TauSTED. Nat Methods. Doi: d42473-021-00241-0 

Discover the power of AX versatility with its newly developed laser solutions!

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Nikon Europe BV

Sabrina Delattre

Workshop Room 13

Since its launch in April 2021, the Nikon point scanning confocal microscope AX has continuously grown with new addon releases making it even more versatile and responding to the constant requirements of the scientific community. Last year we demonstrated the capability of the NSPARC (Nikon Spatial Array Confocal) detector for extremely low noise detection and improved resolution. The program of this year is no exception, in which we wish to showcase new laser solutions for the AX confocal Series. 

The AX can be equipped with a 730nm laser and NIR (Near InfraRed) detectors responding to the increased demand for multicolor imaging. NIR imaging is known to have low phototoxicity/photobleaching to the specimen as it utilizes a longer wavelength to excite the sample and thus is an optimal method to combine with the gentleness of the AX R resonant scanner. The detection of the NIR signal can be delicate, but the AX main detector can be supplied with dedicated photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) with increased quantum efficiency (QE) in the NIR region. The sensitivity and detection of signals are not only defined by QE but are a combination of different aspects. The AX is equipped with a hexagonal pinhole which allows up to 30% increase in light collection compared to a regular square pinhole. The AX detector is designed to reduce the background noise allowing high sensitivity, high-quality images. Finally, the overall optical design is made so that the detection is extremely efficient making the AX R series remarkably performant to detect visible and NIR signals.

Adding an extra dimension through Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) is another advantage that the AX R Series is offering. FLIM basic analysis (lifetime decay curve, phasor plot, time trace…) and acquisitions (large image, z stack, multipoint…) are neatly implemented in Nikon NIS-Elements software while the power of advanced analysis by PicoQuant Symphotime software can easily be accessed from NIS-Elements. With the constant support and collaboration from PicoQuant we have been working on pushing even further the implementation of AX with FLIM. 

So do not wait and register for our AX workshop and be the first to discover what we have been working on!

Expanding SMLM to the third dimension with the Bruker Vutara VXL System

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Bruker

Corentin Rousset

Workshop Room 14

Have you ever considered the possibility of conducting SMLM experiments on biologically relevant structures nestled deep within tissue slices or other thick samples? Perhaps you’ve encountered limitations in your experiments due to the restricted penetration depth of your SMLM system or the absence of robust 3D-detection capabilities?

Bruker has the solution for you: The Vutara VXL system is breaking free from the constraints of limited penetration depth and PSF-engineering-based 3D-detection in SMLM.

Image wherever in the sample and perform spatially- and probe-multiplexed experiments. Superior system stability allows you to run experiments for serval days, which is crucial under highly multiplexed conditions.

Join the workshop and experience how the Bruker Vutara VXL system is expanding SMLM into the third dimension and beyond.

Light sheet microscopy goes LightSpeed: a new era in 3D imaging with UltraMicroscope Blaze™

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Miltenyi Biotec

Guruchandar Arulmozhivarman¹, Jak Grimes², Christine Ahlert¹

¹Miltenyi Biotec, Germany. ²Miltenyi Biotec, United Kingdom

Workshop Room 17

Visualizing the three-dimensional architecture of complex and large organisms has traditionally been a time-intensive task, often requiring several hours to days. In order to make the process easier, Miltenyi Biotec offers comprehensive solutions aimed at streamlining the process and providing a hassle-free 3D imaging workflow. Our workshop therefore invites you to explore the next era of 3D imaging, where we will showcase live demonstrations of our innovative techniques.

Join us as we guide you through the entire 3D imaging process, highlighting our latest advancements, including LightSpeed mode, which boosts imaging speed by up to 60 times, and the MACS iQ View – 3D Large Volume package. Through these demonstrations, you will experience firsthand how our cutting-edge light sheet system, the UltraMicroscope Blaze, seamlessly integrates into your research workflow, providing scalability and efficiency like never before. Additionally, we will delve into our 3D/2D workflow that combines 3D data with high-plex imaging, offering a comprehensive approach to your research needs.

The MPX microscope: A turn-key and versatile multimodal multiphoton platform with a 360-frontend and fully integrated fs laser

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Photon Lines Ltd

Andy Hill¹, Martyn Reynolds¹, Lukas Krainer²

¹Photon Lines Ltd, United Kingdom. ²Prospective Instruments, Austria

Workshop Room 18

The experimental requirements for different imaging scenarios demand different sample mounting arrangements and flexible microscope setups are needed to meet this demand. 

The MPX multimodal multiphoton microscope from Prospective Instruments with its two-photon integrated wavelength tunable fs laser and its built-in epi widefield fluorescence modality covers a wide range of different imaging needs. Its easy-to-use and flexible design provides for a large working space underneath the 360-frontend enabling microscopy from any angle, positioning and direction (upright or inverted). Multimodal imaging including two-photon (TPEF), higher harmonics (SHG/THG), Coherent anti-Stokes Raman Scattering and Stimulated Raman scattering (CARS/SRS), Fluorescence lifetime (FLIM) and epi-widefield fluorescence gains orthogonal data sets and addresses a broad range of requirements from different samples. Non-linear imaging techniques like TPEF or SHG/THG enable deep tissue penetration and the multi-channel approach allows multiplexing to distinguish between different imaging modalities that can be recorded simultaneously. Thus, a broad range of key uses in life science research including 3D imaging, label-free, deep tissue, in-vivo and intravital live-animal, whole organ, and whole slide imaging can be accommodated.

abberior STED workshop: Dynamic aberration correction in STED microscopy

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Abberior Instruments

Steffen Restel¹, Julia Menzel¹, Florian Grimm², Bastian Klußmann-Fricke¹, Jan-Gero Schlötel¹, Dennis Uhlenkamp¹, Martin Meschkat¹, Christian A. Wurm^1,2

¹Abberior Instruments, Germany. ²Abberior, Germany

Workshop Room 19

In microscopy, the quality of images is heavily influenced by the optical properties of the sample. Aberrations, caused by inconsistencies within the sample or inadequate immersion, can significantly impact the ability to focus and obtain high-quality images. This issue is particularly important for super-resolution microscopy techniques such as STimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy. Multi-color STED microscopy is widely used to resolve nano-scale organizations in fixed and live cells [1,2] as well as in tissue [3]. In STED microscopy, precise and accurate focusing of both the excitation and depletion lasers within the sample is crucial. This can be achieved through adaptive optics, which is a powerful tool for aberration correction. 

The abberior RAYSHAPE employs adaptive optics by using a deformable mirror to dynamically redirect aberrated light, thereby restoring the ability to focus [4]. This enables the acquisition of high-quality images of challenging and complex biological samples, including organoids, whole mount preparations of organs, plant tissue, tissue sections, and samples from expansion microscopy (ExM). Without RAYSHAPE, the excitation laser power would need to be increased with deeper focus levels to compensate for the loss of signal caused by aberrations. In contrast, RAYSHAPE allows for the preservation of both resolution and brightness deep within thick samples, while enabling imaging at low light levels with improved confocal, 2D and 3D STED resolution. This correction of aberrations with RAYSHAPE is dynamic across a wide range of z-levels and sets it apart from traditional mechanical aberration corrections, providing clear advantages in image quality and general imaging flexibility. 

In this workshop, participants will learn the advantage of dynamic aberration correction provided in the abberior FACILITY LINE. We will demonstrate how complex samples benefit from RAYSHAPE to ensure high quality super-resolution STED imaging throughout the entire depth of the sample.

Figure 1: Confocal imaging with RAYSHAPE correction . xz section of a stage 17 Drosophila embryo stained for chitin (abberior LIVE 610, green) and DNA (abberior LIVE 550, cyan).

References:
[1] Hell, S.W., Wichmann, J., 1994. Breaking the diffraction resolution limit by stimulated emission: stimulated-emission-depletion fluorescence microscopy. Opt. Lett. 19, 780
[2] Saal, S.J., Hell, S.W., Jakobs, S., 2017. Fluorescence nanoscopy in cell biology. Nat Rev. 18
[3] Urban, N.T., Willig K.I., Hell, S.W., Nägerl, V., 2011. STED Nanoscopy of Actin Dynamics in Synapses Deep Inside Living Brain Slices. Biophys J. 7, 101(5)
[4] Gould, TJ., Burke, D., Bewersdorf, J., and Booth M.J., 2012. Adaptive optics enables 3D STED microscopy in aberrating specimens. Optics Express 20, 19

Ultra-large field of view super-resolution microscopy

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Chip NanoImaging

Merete Storflor, Øystein Helle, Jon Kristian Hagene

Workshop Room 20

The diversity of your biological processes can be captured with chip-based TIRF microscopy. Chip NanoImaging provides precise optical sectioning over an ultra-large field of view. The imaging platform allows for both live- and fixed- cell imaging. Using multimode waveguide technology, a well-defined and homogeneous TIRF illumination can be generated. This is particularly well-suited for exploring membrane dynamics and drug-interactions.  

Chip NanoImaging provides a complete microscope system with both TIRF and EPI illumination. It also comes with a software package that enables contrast enhancement for both 2D (TIRF), and 3D (EPI) imaging. During the workshop, we will demonstrate that the ultra-large field of view chip-based TIRF is ideal for both diffraction limited as well as super-resolution microscopy using single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM). We will also demonstrate how the large SMLM datasets are efficiently reconstructed with user-friendly GPU-accelerated post-processing software.

Holotomography and its X-tra way of doing label-free imaging

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Tomocube

Daniel Ghete

Workshop Room 21

Holotomography (HT), also known as 3D quantitative phase imaging, is a cutting-edge technique that captures the subcellular details of living cells in 3D and in real-time. Overcoming the limitations caused by phototoxicity and photobleaching in fluorescence-based imaging techniques, HT offers a powerful research tool with transformative capabilities for exploring diverse biological phenomena.

Our workshop aims to introduce the fundamental principles and diverse applications of our latest HT system - the HT-X1. This innovative platform enables the acquisition of high-resolution images for a wide array of biological specimens, including cells, microorganisms, organoids, and tissue samples.

Experience firsthand demonstrations featuring a range of samples and vessel types in our workshop. Furthermore, we will also introduce the enhanced functionalities of the newly launched analysis software, TomoAnalysis, for cellular segmentation and quantification.

Features

• Label-free 3D live cell imaging of monolayered cells and 3D organoids
• Correlative fluorescence imaging for comprehensive biomolecular specificity insights
• Built-in incubator that provides a stable cell culture environment
• Multi-well plate compatibility for high-throughput experiments
• Quantitative measurement and analysis of cells and subcellular components

Image Quality Control: Automated check for imaging artifacts

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

SVI - Huygens Software

Danielle Mijnheer, Jasper van der Rijst

On Stand Workshop - Stand 2

Irrespective of whether your microscope image content is from biological or bead origin, Huygens brand-new Quality Control tool measures and reports the image quality with one click of a button.

Acquisition issues such as: under-sampling, clipping, bleaching, crosstalk, chromatic aberration, drift, and hot and cold pixels are measured within seconds, and help is offered to understand and fix these issues. During this workshop session, we will demonstrate this new Quality Control tool and show also how easy it is to correct the reported acquisition problems with the subsequent Huygens restoration options. Using the QC tool, your image data will be of higher quality, offering improved visualization and more reliable and unbiased analysis.

‘openFrame PRIMO’ – Designing and building custom microenvironments for cells through photopatterning

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Cairn Research Ltd

Gareth Rogers

On Stand Workshop - Stand 5

Cells are sensitive to the environment around them and the 'PRIMO' photopatterning platform (from Alvéole) provides cell biologists with the flexibility to create and fine tune in vitro cell microenvironments. 'PRIMO' can be easily coupled to and is a perfect match for the 'openFrame' microscope. 

This workshop will provide you with an opportunity to: 

• listen to a short presentation about photopatterning and its utility for a range of different applications, from cell confinement and tissue engineering to the study of cytoskeletal dynamics
• see how to quickly and easily create protein micropatterns on a surface using an 'openFrame PRIMO'
• learn more about microfabrication and see how to create hydrogel structures on a surface using the 'openFrame PRIMO' 

From cells to organs with spinning disk confocal and SIM super-resolution imaging across scales

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

CrestOptics SpA

Luca Clario, Francesco Bacchi

On Stand Workshop - Stand 8

The aspiration of many microscopy facilities to provide a versatile tool that can deliver robust, straightforward, and rapid solutions to a diverse user needs often seems like an elusive dream. The CrestOptics X-light V3 DeepSIM platform represents a significant leap towards realizing this ambition. Designed to meet the demanding requirements from high magnification fast gentle multicolor live cell imaging imaging to massive 3D volumentric imaging this platform transcends the limitations of traditional point scanner confocal and super-resolution microscopy, which are hindered by slow acquisition times and inadequate depth penetration in complex samples. In this workshop, we will explore the capabilities and applications of the spinning disk and SIM super-resolution imaging technologies in the context of cutting-edge 3D biological research of organoids, spheroids, and organ-on-a-chip models. Participants will learn how these combined technologies overcomes the limitations of traditional imaging methods, providing unpeer results across scales a for the investigation of complex biological systems. By enhancing the accessibility and quality of 3D imaging, CrestOptics empowers researchers to delve deeper into the mysteries of life, from cellular intricacies to organ-level dynamics.

Amira software for light microscopy image analysis

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Sarwuth Wantha

On Stand Workshop - Stand 35

Optical imaging is a critical component of biomedical research, and the quality of these images is rapidly improving. With the increasing size and complexity of images, advanced image recognition, analysis, and enhancement is essential for understanding complex biological structures. Scientists and imaging experts require visualization and analysis of large, multi-channel, time-series data, automated imaging workflows, and correlation of multiple imaging data from multi-modal imaging systems. Thanks to rapid developments in image analysis and improved software systems, scientists can now analyze high volumes of large imaging data and accurately quantify biological structures. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends in optical imaging to stay ahead in biomedical research.

Amira software provides a flexible and comprehensive toolbox of image visualization and processing methods that can be automated through custom detection workflows to increase accuracy and efficiency. With its image registration capability, Amira is the software of choice for correlative imaging and analysis, such as the correlative study of EM data overlays onto light microscopy fluorescence image (CLEM).

Amira software supports multiple advanced image segmentation applications, making it a universal and powerful solution for the analysis of multi-modality imaging data, including those acquired from light microscopy such as confocal, light-sheet, SIM, and super-resolution microscopy.

Don't let the complexity of optical images hold you back from understanding complex biological structures. Let Amira software provide you with the full spectrum of image analysis solutions to support your scientific needs.

Join our workshop to learn the fundamentals of Amira software in image analysis, including:

• Multi-modality image registration and correlative image analysis
• Visualization of 3D volume, surface rendering and animation
• Large data multi-channel time series data handling
• Image pre-processing i.e. denoising and artefact removal
• Advanced image segmentation
• Automation, Recipe & Batch Processing
• AI-based Deep Learning & Machine Learning

To serve and protect: T-cell killing assays with Livecyte, a kinder insight into immune-cell policing

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Phasefocus

Peter Djali, Meetal Jotangia, Jessica Rickman

On Stand Workshop - Stand 38

T-cell based immunotherapy is an exciting emerging tool in the fight against cancer, with in vitro T-cell killing assays being the first step in validating the effectiveness of new therapies.

However current methods only tell a small part of the story, revealing only population-based metrics of cell death at particular timepoints, or at best looking at these death events kinetically. With no scope for cell-cell interaction kinetics or monitoring target cell proliferation and growth, this leaves a large gap in knowledge on why certain treatments are more efficacious than others. In an attempt to yield more information, current assays commonly depend upon time intensive manual tracking, or use of fluorescence imaging of T-cells, which are often primary cells, and highly sensitive to phototoxicity as a result.

In this workshop you’ll learn how, using Quantitative Phase Imaging (QPI) – a label free imaging technique, you can segment every cell. You’ll learn how, whilst protecting potentially fragile T-cells from any label, fluorescence is used to categorise between target cells, T-cells, and apoptotic cells. Delving under the hood of the advanced T-cell killing assay, you’ll see how Livecyte tracks every single target cell throughout the cell’s lifetime deriving a whole host of effector-cell: target cell kinetics and target cell information.

If that wasn’t enough, you’ll journey through the various dashboards generated from Livecyte's Analyse software to paint a full picture of T cell: target cell behaviour including the number of T-cell visits, total and average interaction time, as well the number of T-cells attached at death, and the contact time of final T-cell interaction. In parallel, our standard QPI metrics such as cell death, and total cell count, dry mass, a quantitative measure of the cellular biomass and morphology mean you can gain a complete picture of both T-cell and target cell behaviour and truly investigate the fundamental cellular mechanisms.

Meanwhile the T-cells remain entirely unlabelled, so your in vitro model is more physiologically relevant and more applicable to in vivo models.

Know, measure and monitor the performance of your fluorescence microscopes

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

ARGOLIGHT

Arnaud ROYON

On Stand Workshop - Stand 41

One of the core facilities’ duties is to provide end-users, usually researchers in life sciences, a fleet of microscopes at a level of performance compatible with their experiments. This is not an easy task because microscopes intrinsically introduce biases in the images and because their performance tends to fluctuate or deteriorate over time for many reasons: misusing, aging, environment fluctuations, etc. This is especially true for high end imaging systems such as confocal or super-resolution microscopes.

To get quantitative and reproducible data, assessing the performance of fluorescence microscopes is a prerequisite before any imaging campaign, to know, measure and eventually correct the different biases they can introduce. For example, system co-registration accuracy should be evaluated before any co-localization study; System field uniformity and intensity response before any study where intensity in the image matters; Spatial resolution before any study aiming at counting objects close to each other, etc.

At the age of big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive models, it is essential to perform quality control and quality assurance at any step of a bio-imaging experiment: at the sample preparation level, at the imaging system level, and at the image analysis level, to extract the sought biological information. Feeding the image analysis algorithms with corrupted image data gives rise to the well-known adage: “garbage in, garbage out”.

The workshop aims to show how the quality control and quality assurance of fluorescence imaging systems can be performed and standardized with Argolight solutions, and how the generated quality data can be managed and centralized for later reporting.

Imaging workflows in OMERO

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

OME

Petr Walczysko

Lecture Theatre, Room 3

The Open Microscopy Environment (OME) is an open-source software project that develops tools that enable access, analysis, visualization, sharing and publication of biological image data. OME supports more than 150 image data formats across many imaging modalities including fluorescence microscopy, high-content screening, whole-slide imaging and biomedical imaging.

OMERO, a software developed by OME, is an open source, enterprise software platform for image data management and analysis. OMERO is used in 1000s of institutions worldwide managing, sharing, analysing and publishing imaging datasets.

This workshop will cover all of the main functions of OMERO. We will explain the import to OMERO and then demonstrate  organisation, viewing, searching, annotation and publishing of images using OMERO. After we cover the basics of OMERO, we will shortly explain the principles of how 3rd party image analysis packages work with OMERO. This will enable the participants to understand the manual data processing and automated processing workflows using a range of open source applications running alongside OMERO, such as ImageJ/Fiji or CellPose.

This workshop is designed for researchers at all levels who work with data from digital microscopes or other imaging systems. The workshop includes a presentation and hands-on session. Prior knowledge in microscopy, scripting and data analysis is not required.

Bringing your own laptop is strongly encouraged, but it is also possible to follow the workshop as a demonstration only.

Any student / researcher dealing with scientific images is more than welcome to join this workshop.

The new FLUOVIEW FV4000 laser scanning microscope

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Evident

Buelent Peker

Workshop Room 4A

Join us for an immersive EVIDENT workshop centered around the groundbreaking FLUOVIEW FV4000 confocal microscope. Tailored for imaging core facilities, this workshop offers a hands-on exploration of the latest advancements and cutting-edge capabilities of the FV4000.

Throughout the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to explore advanced imaging technologies enabled by the state-of-the-art FV4000. From its revolutionary SilVIR™ detector, boasting unparalleled sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio, and dynamic range, to its high-speed imaging capabilities and AI-based noise reduction, discover how the FV4000 can elevate your facility's imaging capabilities to new heights.

Dragonfly 600: From single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) to large sample imaging

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Oxford Instruments Andor

Claudia Florindo, Aishwarya Sivakumar

Workshop Room 4B

The Dragonfly 600 is a high-speed confocal imaging platform that delivers matchless imaging capabilities across scales from nanometres to centimetres. The new features included are:

1. Andor's proprietary B-TIRF imaging modality, which delivers highly uniform TIRF imaging, is exceptionally easy to setup due to the optical feedback, and offers flexibility in its range to also image in HiLo;
2. A newly developed high-power laser engine (HLE) for super-resolution techniques and higher throughput imaging; and
3. The 3D super-resolution module combined with all imaging modalities (widefield, confocal and B-TIRF). 

The Dragonfly spinning disk confocal is a complete multimodal system with outstanding versatility and exceptional performance in any scale, either Single-molecule imaging applications (SMLM), thick samples and live cell imaging.

In this workshop, we will present the Dragonfly 600, and the attendees will be able to see its key features live, such as: 

1. SMLM paint imaging with Dragonfly 600 using DNA-PAINT samples.
2. B-TIRF imaging and its easy setup with the optical feedback
3. Imaging with confocal mode into deep thick samples while visualizing in 3D the imaging result.

Join us to understand how Dragonfly 600 can boost your research. 

Figure legend:  Dragonfly allows correlative/cross scale microscopy. a) image of 3 cell nuclei in which the nuclear pores were transiently labelled for NUP96 (nuclear pore protein). b) The same data set, zoomed a section in a) to show DNA-PAINT resolution of <20 nm, revealing the 8-fold symmetry of the nuclear pore complex c) DNA-origami 3x4 grid with ~20 nm Cy3B fluorophore separation, imaged with a similar B-TIRF protocol shows resolution <10 nm.

Monitoring of dynamic processes: An easy and reliable way to perform single molecule FRET and FCS measurements

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

PicoQuant

Evangelos Sisamakis, Mathias Bayer, Matthias Patting, Marcelle Koenig, Marcus Sackrow, André Devaux, Uwe Ortmann, Felix Koberling, Rainer Erdmann

Workshop Room 5

Single molecule studies and – more specifically – single molecule FRET methodologies have become a standard tool for studying dynamic structural changes in proteins and nucleic acids. These types of measurements can reveal dynamic events on time scales covering several orders of magnitude from ~ns to several seconds. This allows studying e.g., chain dynamics, binding, folding, allosteric events, oligomerization, and aggregation. The power of these methodologies is highlighted by the study of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins (IDPs) whose biological relevance has been increasingly studied over the recent years.

In this remote workshop we will showcase how easy it is for new users to perform single molecule measurements on two model systems:
 a) doubly labeled freely diffusing short oligonucleotides and  
 b) Cy5 molecules immobilized on the coverslip surface

Several online previews enable users to immediately judge sample and data quality. All correction parameters necessary to obtain FRET efficiency vs. stoichiometry histograms are automatically determined online, requiring no interaction from the user. The algorithm employs methodologies benchmarked by the scientific community. 

Furthermore, we will show how the variable PSF feature can be used in smFRET and FCS measurements to fine-tune the observation window of freely diffusing biomolecules.

smFRET E-S-histogram

 variable PSF

Two simultaneous system demos: all-new AxL Cleared Tissue LightSheet (ASLM for ultrafast imaging of cleared specimens) and Marianas with Vector3 (spinning TIRF and photomanipulation)

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

3i - Intelligent Imaging Innovations

Benjamin Atkinson

Workshop Room 6

AxL Cleared Tissue LightSheet - Axially Swept Light Sheet Microscopy System for Ultrafast Imaging of Cleared Specimens

AxL Cleared Tissue LightSheet (AxL CTLS) is a fully automated macro zoom microscope with high NA apochromatic objectives and dual-sided light sheet illumination for imaging whole organs to small animals. Custom-designed excitation objectives and patented axially swept light sheet microscopy (ASLM) produce an exceptionally thin, long and uniform lightsheet for large-scale high-resolution imaging. ASLM scans the light sheet in its propagation direction using high-speed remote focusing synchronized to the rolling shutter readout of an sCMOS camera at the size of the beam waist. This approach creates an exceptionally thin light sheet across a large field of view resulting in images with improved optical sectioning and signal-to-noise. This scanned sheet features a constant laser intensity across the field of view for an evenly illuminated image. The 0.14NA excitation objective creates a 2μm thin waist for superior axial resolution. AxL CTLS is designed to operate optimally across a range of 1.33 to 1.56 refractive indices ensuring compatibility across all available clearing methods. The large field of view of AxL CTLS enables ultrafast imaging of whole organs to small animals. An entire mouse can be prescanned in less than 60 seconds, imaged in 20 minutes and high resolution ASLM scanned in 9 hours revealing neuronal connectivity.

Vector3 - Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) and Photomanipulation Module

Vector3 is a motorized, spinning TIRF illuminator with three key imaging modalities: TIRF, photomanipulation and widefield epifluorescence. Intelligent beam steering and optical design allow for all three imaging modes to be combined in one compact device. Vector3 offers an expansive TIRF field of view (FN20) designed for modern sCMOS cameras. Spinning the excitation beam around the back aperture of the imaging objective creates an even TIRF field without shadows or polarization artifacts. A motorized scan lens corrects for sample height variation and ensures ideal TIRF illumination and photomanipulation spot size across the visible spectrum. An easy-to-use user interface in SlideBook allows users to optimize the excitation angle between TIRF and HILO for imaging thicker samples. Photobleaching, photoconversion, and photoablation events of user-drawn ROIs are easily scripted into image acquisition. In this workshop, we will highlight the large field of view and ease-of-use of Vector3 for TIRF and photomanipulation experiments.

Simultaneous multi-color, quantitative and auto-calibrated TIRF imaging with the Abbelight TIRF solution

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Abbelight

Caterina Severi

Workshop Room 7

TIRF (Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence) microscopy is often used in biology for studying the cell membrane.  This technique exploits the total internal reflection of the light beam on the microscope slide, which induces the propagation of an evanescent wave through the first hundreds of nanometers of the sample, allowing the excitation of only a very thin section of the sample close to the surface 

Because of its optical section of few hundreds of nanometers, TIRF microscopy allows a higher SNR comparing to classical epifluorescence microscopy techniques. In operation with ultra-fast sCMOS or EMCCD cameras, it provides a good temporal sampling which can be combined with STORM (Stochastic Optical Reconstruction Microscopy) and PALM (Photo-Activated Localization Microscopy) super-resolution techniques for an optimal spatial and temporal dynamic range.

In this workshop, you can discover our TIRF product: a hardware and software solution that provides an optically perfect TIRF imaging. Adaptable to any combination of microscopes, objectives and third parts, our product guarantees the automatically calibrated and reproducible position of the TIRF angles. Coupled with a multi-color optical module, it offers an optimal and simultaneous imaging of biological structures with the benefits of our ultra widefield ASTER technology.

Schedule :

10 min : introduction to TIRF microscopy

15 min : demonstration of our 4 channels detection module alignment 

10 min : Simultaneous multi-color TIRF imaging on cells 

15 min : demonstration of the automatic calibration TIRF angles software

10 min : summary and Q&A

Figure 1 : COS 7 cells (actin labelled with phalloidin-488 and mitochondria labelled with AF-647)

From Basics to brilliance. Using the ONi Nanoimager with the Discovery Kit: dSTORM in cells – The ultimate kit to prepare your samples for super-resolution with ease.

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

ONI

Franky Djutanta, Pip Timmins

Workshop Room 8

The Nanoimager is a compact and state-of-the-art microscope, offering quantitative analysis for localization-based imaging (dSTORM and PALM), single-particle tracking and single-molecule FRET.

The Nanoimager is designed to operate on a standard lab bench and has a footprint smaller than a piece of A4 paper, making it more accessible to researchers.

The ONI Discovery Kit™ for dSTORM imaging provides a modular workflow for immunofluorescent labeling in cultured cells, which allows you to confidently detect extra and intracellular proteins in two channels with 20 nm resolution and high sensitivity in your own samples. You provide the cells and primary antibodies, we provide the rest!

This workshop is intended for people who are looking to brush up on their knowledge of dSTORM and push their super resolution research further. 

Workshop attendees will receive a 10% discount voucher to be redeemed against the purchase of a Discovery Kit.

Cell-friendly profound 3D super resolution confocal imaging with Point REscan GAIA

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Confocal.nl B.V

Janine Cravo, Dušan Popov-Čeleketić

Workshop Room 10

KEYWORDS: super resolution, confocal imaging, live cell imaging, deep imaging, REscan  

One of the main goals of advanced optical microscopy is the development of systems enabling real-time live cell super resolution imaging. The most severe limitation towards this is the extreme phototoxicity of such systems. To tackle this and achieve cell-friendly super resolution imaging, Confocal.nl developed GAIA, the latest generation of the Point REscan confocal technology. This disruptive technology enables super resolution imaging in extremely cell friendly conditions. In addition, GAIA allows deep imaging beyond the diffraction limit while using ultra-low laser power. 

GAIA is equipped with a switchable pinhole that allows enhanced flexibility, sensitivity, and optimal confocality. By Nyquisting every objective and enabling fast multicolour imaging over a large field of view (FOV), GAIA establishes itself as the most light-efficient super resolution confocal system on the market. GAIA is optimized for both VIS and NIR imaging as well as for super resolution with both high and low magnification objectives. 

GAIA is an easy to use add-on to any widefield microscope. As it is uniquely capable to image beyond the diffraction limit using low magnification objectives and, consequently, to image live samples deeper than 500 µm while sustaining their viability over extended periods. As imaging up to 100 µm is considered deep in confocal and super resolution microscopy, we termed super resolution confocal imaging deeper than 500 µm as profound. 

Dynamics in Life: Reveal & visualize molecular behaviour and interactions effortlessly

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Carl Zeiss Microscopy

Ed Rea¹, Chris Power²

¹Carl Zeiss Ltd, United Kingdom. ²Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH, Germany

Workshop Room 11A

Understanding dynamic behaviour is vital to gaining insights into biological processes. Across all scales, dynamics provide a crucial insight, from movement of organisms, organs or cells, developmental changes in organisms or tissues to cell-cell interactions and intracellular molecular behaviour which one often cannot observe due to phototoxicity, slow acquisitions or too complicated software. ZEISS offers a wide range of systems & software to observe & analyse samples with minimal light exposure at high speed down to molecular resolution. 

Fundamentals of imaging dynamic processes are of course matching the spatial and temporal resolution. In addition, it needs to be ensured that sample disturbance is kept to the absolute minimum - hence light exposure needs to be kept at bay by using the most sensitive method, regardless of whether whole organisms or single molecules are investigated. 

ZEISS Dynamics Profiler uncovers molecular diffusion, concentration, and flow dynamics of fluorescent proteins in your living samples in a single, easy measurement. Delicate samples can be explored without excessive light exposure or prolonged experiment time. 

Molecular dynamics experiments were often limited by lack of necessary equipment or the need for highly trained personnel. Dynamics Profiler can be easily added to a ZEISS confocal by utilizing the sensitive Airyscan detector. Now, any proficient confocal microscopy user can go beyond traditional confocal imaging to collect molecular dynamics information about a protein of interest. The wizard-guided workflow ensures precise acquisition settings and simple data quality control. Reference images aid in sample context and measurement position documentation. Comprehensible data visualization enables intuitive access to the information obtained. Adding molecular dynamics measurements to any of your current live sample experiments has never been easier.

Develop a more in-depth profile of the molecules in your current experiments, from cell cultures to organoids to whole organisms – even for bright and challenging samples. Examples of new dimensions uncovered by Dynamics Profiler include the transition of cellular condensates formed by liquid-liquid phase separation as measured by Asymmetric Diffusion. With Flow Analysis, measure speed and direction of fluorescent molecules moving in a bloodstream or in microfluidic systems, such as organ-on-a-chip experiments.

Raw data is saved with every measurement, enabling you to perform customized analyses, either immediately or when the scientific question arises later.

It’s easier than you think to add molecular dynamics measurements to your current confocal experiments.

Image optimisation for expansion microscopy gels

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Leica Microsystems

Emmanuelle Steib¹, Lothar Schermelleh²

¹Leica Microsystems, United Kingdom. ²Micron Facility, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, United Kingdom

Workshop Room 11C

Super resolution (SR) microscopy has been a powerful tool to bridge the gaps between fluorescence and electron microscopy. However, SR microscopy requires specific optics and expertise that can be limiting in day-to-day applications for most biology laboratories. To bypass this issue, researchers have developed an approach based on sample optimisation. The idea behind expansion microscopy (ExM) is to physically increase the sample size to obtain SR-like images using conventional widefield or confocal microscopes. It involves embedding a fixed biological sample in a swellable polymer compatible with immunolabeling and light microscopy.

Still, the implementation of ExM has many challenges, some of which we will address in this workshop through hands-on demonstrations and sharing of tips and tricks with experts. The session will be led by Dr Emmanuelle Steib from Leica Microsystems, who has experience with expanding and imaging a wide variety of samples, ranging from isolated organelles to whole vertebrate embryos. Emmanuelle will be joined by super resolution expert Associate Professor Lothar Schermelleh from the Department of Biochemistry at The University of Oxford and head of the new Collaborative Centre of Excellence for Cutting-Edge Microscopy.

In this workshop, we will focus on optimising imaging modalities to accommodate the limits of ExM gels. We will discuss how to address the physical properties of gels, as well as fluorescence dilution compared to conventional immunofluorescence. We will use the versatility of the STELLARIS confocal platform to present a typical workflow to image samples across multiple scales. Making use of the Leica Navigator tool, we will also highlight how easy and fast it is to register large areas, then retrieve regions of interest for subcellular investigation. 

References

1. Chen et al., Science, 2015 https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1260088
2. Wassie et al., Nat Methods, 2019 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41592-018-0219-4
3. Steib et al., Cell Rep Methods 2022 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667237522001990

AI-Powered High Content Imaging and Analysis with Nikon's Eclipse Ji

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Nikon Europe BV

Subash Chinnaraj

Workshop Room 13

Nikon's Eclipse Ji offers a research grade acquisition and analysis solution, integrated with AI technology, in the form of an easy-to-use benchtop laboratory instrument. By leveraging the NIS-Elements Smart Experiments module, this system allows for high content imaging and analysis to be performed effortlessly with predefined assays, eliminating the need for time-consuming setup processes. The Eclipse Ji is equipped with a range of robust ready-to-use assays, enabling rapid acquisition and analysis, effectively reducing microscopy time. The software automatically visualizes the analyzed data using a range of visualization tools, including heatmaps, scatter plots, drug response curves, and box plots, enhancing data interpretation and insight generation.

Additionally, the system seamlessly transforms into a research grade inverted microscope for various imaging requirements with a simple click. The JOBS and GA3 modules provide a no-code environment, facilitating the development of custom workflows and intelligent microscopy experiments effortlessly. Furthermore, the Eclipse Ji offers flexibility by supporting the entire range of Nikon Objectives and additional cameras.

Join our workshop to discover how you can obtain high content data within minutes, without the complexities of experimental setup and analysis. Gain insights into the full range of AI functions that enable autonomous cellular imaging and data collection. Experience the efficiency and convenience of Nikon's Eclipse Ji in transforming your imaging workflows.

The ACQUIFER IM – Workflows for Smart Microscopy, High Content Screening and Automated Photomanipulation

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Bruker

Jochen Gehrig, Laurent Thomas

Workshop Room 14

The ACQUIFER IM is a flexible automated widefield fluorescence microscope designed for high-content imaging of cell cultures and small model organisms. Featuring a unique moving optical unit and stationary sample holder, it excels at imaging non-adherent and motion-sensitive specimens. Engineered for extended operation and extensive experiments, it offers innovative features and a user-friendly interface, requiring minimal maintenance.

The IM control software offers a user-friendly interface, allowing non-experts to configure imaging and screening protocols effortlessly. Advanced users can customize complex workflows using built-in scripting support. This open interface facilitates implementation of smart microscopy workflows. Additionally, the ACQUIFER Plate-Viewer software provides easy browsing and visualization of large high-content screening datasets, along with supervised feedback microscopy modules.

During this workshop, we will showcase the distinctive hardware design of the ACQUIFER IM and illustrate its applications in automated imaging. We will present our workflow for automated imaging, smart microscopy, and High Content Screening. Additionally, we will highlight applications of the optional laser module, which enables scaling up of challenging photomanipulation experiments such as photodamaging and fluorophore conversion.

Light sheet microscopy goes LightSpeed: a new era in 3D imaging with UltraMicroscope Blaze™

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Miltenyi Biotec

Guruchandar Arulmozhivarman¹, Jak Grimes², Christine Ahlert¹

¹Miltenyi Biotec, Germany. ²Miltenyi Biotec, United Kingdom

Workshop Room 17

Visualizing the three-dimensional architecture of complex and large organisms has traditionally been a time-intensive task, often requiring several hours to days. In order to make the process easier, Miltenyi Biotec offers comprehensive solutions aimed at streamlining the process and providing a hassle-free 3D imaging workflow. Our workshop therefore invites you to explore the next era of 3D imaging, where we will showcase live demonstrations of our innovative techniques.

Join us as we guide you through the entire 3D imaging process, highlighting our latest advancements, including LightSpeed mode, which boosts imaging speed by up to 60 times, and the MACS iQ View – 3D Large Volume package. Through these demonstrations, you will experience firsthand how our cutting-edge light sheet system, the UltraMicroscope Blaze, seamlessly integrates into your research workflow, providing scalability and efficiency like never before. Additionally, we will delve into our 3D/2D workflow that combines 3D data with high-plex imaging, offering a comprehensive approach to your research needs.

Aurox Unity: your go-to Desktop Confocal Microscope

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Photon Lines Ltd

Rimas Juskaitis¹, Martyn Reynolds²

¹Aurox Ltd, United Kingdom. ²Photon Lines Ltd, United Kingdom

Workshop Room 18

Aurox Unity represents a new milestone in the development of structured-illumination enabled confocal microscopy. It is a desktop system that integrates all the components required for high-end live-cell fluorescence imaging – light source, cameras, microscope optics, confocal imaging engine, x-y stage, incubator and computing core – in a single extremely compact and easy to use package. We will be demonstrating the hardware and software capabilities of the instrument and will present our ideas on how it might benefit researchers working in diverse application areas from cells to spheroids to tissue microscopy.

abberior STED Workshop: Gentle long-time STED microscopy

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Abberior Instruments

Julia Menzel¹, Steffen Restel¹, Florian Grimm², Bastian Klußmann-Fricke¹, Jan-Gero Schlötel¹, Dennis Uhlenkamp¹, Martin Meschkat¹, Christian A. Wurm^1,2

¹Abberior Instruments, Germany. ²Abberior, Germany

Workshop Room 19

Super-resolution imaging techniques like STimulated Emission Depletion (STED) allow visualization of the small size of most subcellular organelles, structures, and dynamic interactions, which is essential for many research questions [1,2]. Technical developments like improved organic dyes or pulsed lasers were already able to reduce the required light dose on the sample. Nevertheless, most sample benefit from minimal laser light exposure while maintaining maximal resolution and signal intensity.

Breakthroughs in this respect are imaging techniques like Flexposure, also known as “Adaptive Illumination”. Flexposure is based on the principal of only illuminating places in the sample where light can make a positive contribution to the image [3]. Instead of illuminating every pixel with the STED laser, the illumination is adapted dynamically in a pixel-by-pixel fashion to the structure of the sample. Therefore, only positions emitting signal are illuminated with STED light, reducing the applied light dose significantly and improving imaging of sensitive samples (Fig 1A).

Beside the intensity of a fluorophore also the fluorescence lifetime can be measured to receive information about the fluorophore’s environment such as ion concentration or pH. In STED microscopy, fluorescence lifetime information is particularly beneficial, as it can be additionally harnessed to increase resolution - especially when imaging at reduced STED laser power to protect sensitive samples (Fig. 1B)

Beside imaging techniques, new developments in organic dyes provide further improvements for long term imaging in super-resolution. Exchangeable fluorescent probes bind to genetically encoded self-labelling protein tags with high affinity but can exchange regularly [4]. Therefore, the fluorophore is exchanged on a regular basis which can prolong imaging time (Fig. 1C).

In this workshop, participants will learn how sensitive samples benefit from optimized dye and imaging techniques. We will demonstrate on the abberior FACILITY LINE how STED imaging techniques like FLEXPOSURE and TIMEBOW are used for gentle imaging with reduced applied light dose to allow long-time imaging.

Figure 1A. Long-time imaging with FLEXPOSURE. Consecutive STED images of nuclear pore complexes imaged with and without Flexposure.
B. MATRIX STED and lifetime imaging. Differentiated Caco-2 cells were stained for Actin with Star Red (provided by D.Günzel, Charité Berlin, Germany).
C. Gentle STED multi-color LIVE Cell Imaging. Mammalian cells express a Halo-X fusion protein in the outer mitochondrial membrane visualized with Abberior LIVE 590 Halo-X (magenta) and actin stained with SiR actin (green).

References
[1] Hell, S.W., Wichmann, J., 1994. Breaking the diffraction resolution limit by stimulated emission: stimulated-emission-depletion fluorescence microscopy. Opt. Lett. 19, 780
[2] Saal, S.J., Hell, S.W., Jakobs, S., 2017. Fluorescence nanoscopy in cell biology. Nat Rev. 18
[3] Heine, J., Reuss, M., Harke B., Hell, S.W., 2017. Adaptive-illumination STED nanoscopy. PNAS 114 (37)
[4] Kompa, J., Bruins, J., Glogger M., Wilhelm, J., Frei, M.S., Tarnawski, M., D’Este, E., Heilemann, M., Johnsson, K., 2023. Exchangeable HaloTag Ligands for Super-Resolution Fluorescence Microscopy. J. Am. Chem. Soc 145, 5

Ultra-large field of view super-resolution microscopy

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Chip NanoImaging

Merete Storflor, Øystein Helle, Jon Kristian Hagene

Workshop Room 20

The diversity of your biological processes can be captured with chip-based TIRF microscopy. Chip NanoImaging provides precise optical sectioning over an ultra-large field of view. The imaging platform allows for both live- and fixed- cell imaging. Using multimode waveguide technology, a well-defined and homogeneous TIRF illumination can be generated. This is particularly well-suited for exploring membrane dynamics and drug-interactions.  

Chip NanoImaging provides a complete microscope system with both TIRF and EPI illumination. It also comes with a software package that enables contrast enhancement for both 2D (TIRF), and 3D (EPI) imaging. During the workshop, we will demonstrate that the ultra-large field of view chip-based TIRF is ideal for both diffraction limited as well as super-resolution microscopy using single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM). We will also demonstrate how the large SMLM datasets are efficiently reconstructed with user-friendly GPU-accelerated post-processing software.

Holotomography and its X-tra way of doing label-free imaging

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Tomocube

Daniel Ghete

Workshop Room 21

Holotomography (HT), also known as 3D quantitative phase imaging, is a cutting-edge technique that captures the subcellular details of living cells in 3D and in real-time. Overcoming the limitations caused by phototoxicity and photobleaching in fluorescence-based imaging techniques, HT offers a powerful research tool with transformative capabilities for exploring diverse biological phenomena.

Our workshop aims to introduce the fundamental principles and diverse applications of our latest HT system - the HT-X1. This innovative platform enables the acquisition of high-resolution images for a wide array of biological specimens, including cells, microorganisms, organoids, and tissue samples.

Experience firsthand demonstrations featuring a range of samples and vessel types in our workshop. Furthermore, we will also introduce the enhanced functionalities of the newly launched analysis software, TomoAnalysis, for cellular segmentation and quantification.

Features

• Label-free 3D live cell imaging of monolayered cells and 3D organoids
• Correlative fluorescence imaging for comprehensive biomolecular specificity insights
• Built-in incubator that provides a stable cell culture environment
• Multi-well plate compatibility for high-throughput experiments
• Quantitative measurement and analysis of cells and subcellular components

Advancing quantitative analysis with batch object analysis and AI based segmentation

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

SVI - Huygens Software

Danielle Mijnheer, Jasper van der Rijst

On Stand Workshop - Stand 2

Designing a complete 3D restoration and analysis pipelines, and applying this in batch mode, is a challenge that can be easily addressed with Huygens Object Analyzer and Workflow Processor. Massive image processing with such pipelines can also be executed using Huygens new Command Line interface in combination with node/job management software. Recent additions to the Object Analyzer involves segmentation tailored towards your research with options to upload label images from AI-based tools like Cellpose and Stardist. Together with Huygens renowned deconvolution and restoration options, the Workfow Processor streamlines the whole process from image acquisition to producing true quantitative data.

During this workshop session we show how to combine image restoration with object analysis within pipelines, and how to apply AI-based segmentation in Huygens. We will also present a short overview of all other new features in Huygens.

Application driven microscopy - Combining the SPARQ HiLo illuminator with the 'openFrame' platform for innovative, compact and cost-effective optical sectioning

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Cairn Research Ltd

Jeremy Graham

On Stand Workshop - Stand 5

The 'openFrame' modular microscope platform enables stable microscopes to be designed and built to solve specialist applications, without compromise.  We will demonstrate a simple and compact implementation to showcase the sectioning capabilities of the Bliq Photonics SPARQ combined with an affordable laser combiner and sensitive CMOS camera. 

Based on patented HiLo technology, SPARQ rapidly removes out-of-focus elements using two differently illuminated images that are mathematically processed. SPARQ leverages the structure inherent in the speckle that naturally occurs when illuminating with coherent light to achieve high quality structured illumination to enhance resolution and optical sectioning. 

Borne of a collaboration between Cairn Research and the Photonics group at Imperial College London, the core 'openFrame' is a sustainable extensible, easily-maintained, open-source microscope platform.  In addition to manufacturing open source components, Cairn Research Ltd and Cairn GmbH have designed proprietary modules to further enhance the eco-system.

This workshop will provide you with an opportunity to:   

• listen to a short presentation introducing the openFrame platform and the SPARQ HiLo illuminator  
• see the system in action running a variety of different test samples at different magnifications showcasing the new MicroManager SPARQ Plugin 
• image your own samples and question our team about your specific imaging requirements 

Correlative multimodal bioimaging: an holistic approach to investigate biological samples

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

CrestOptics SpA

Luca Clario, Francesco Bacchi

On Stand Workshop - Stand 8

Correlative multimodal bioimaging is the convergence point of technologies with different performances in terms of statistical sampling, number of simultaneously analyzed signals, temporal and spatial resolution. It combines the strengths of different imaging approaches to overcome the limitations of individual techniques and provides a more holistic understanding of the sample under investigation. Super resolution microscopy, such Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM) and molecular localization-based approaches, provide a spatial resolution and a molecular localization precision able to explore the scale of macromolecular complexes in situ. However, its use is limited to restricted regions, and consequently few cells, and frequently no more than one or two parameters. Spinning Disk Confocal is a high-speed, high-sensitivity method to reject out-of-focus light in thick and large specimens: this makes it a very common choice for studying 3D structure of tissue sections, fast dynamic processes, and long-term time-lapse of live samples. This workshop shows a correlative multimodal microscopy approach that exploits the major advantages of Spinning Disk Confocal and SIM technologies to get the most out of a whole set of biological samples from different spatial scales. Data is collected separately using each modality, and the integration between the datasets is established post-acquisition through computational or analytical techniques to enable a more holistic understanding of the sample. Possible implementation of such techniques into an automated acquisition and analysis pipeline is discussed.

Leveraging advanced image analysis using Amira Software AI capabilities for optical image segmentation

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Sarwuth Wantha

On Stand Workshop - Stand 35

It is important for scientists and imaging experts to understand complex biological structures through image visualization and analysis. Imaging data can be a great tool in understanding cellular architecture and processes, however, analyzing data from multi-imaging systems and modalities can be a daunting task. Each experimental setup presents a unique challenge, and multi-scale dynamic processes require the detection of objects of various sizes, from diffraction-limited particles to entire cells. Identifying and quantifying sub-cellular structures within datasets containing anywhere from a few dozen to tens of thousands of objects, can seem overwhelming.

According to the need for analytical tools that grows significantly, researchers require image processing software that allows for fast, high-quality visualization, effective processing, and accurate data analysis to expedite their workflow.

Thermo Scientific Amira Software is a powerful comprehensive, and versatile software solution for visualizing, segmentation and understanding life science and biomedical images in such a complex biological data in 3D that would be impossible to see with 2D images alone.

Amira Software can help researchers gain an understanding deeper of image data. With its easy-to-use interface and comprehensive tools, user can streamline a workflow and spend more time doing what is best - advancing the field of optical imaging. The “visual programming” workflow is intuitive, flexible, and customizable to achieve accurate results.

Furthering its segmentation capabilities, Amira Software now includes artificial intelligence capabilities for imaging and analysis applications. These AI methods, such as deep learning, have proven to be powerful approaches for improving resolution, reducing noise, and automating segmentation. The use of AI-based Deep Learning is a major leap forward for Amira Software solutions. Our approach also guarantees that your analysis is repeatable across specimens. That means future image segmentation can be independent from manual processing or user-based variability often seen in manual annotation tasks.

During this workshop, you will learn how to:

• Accelerate subcellular detection and segmentation from imaging data using a range of readily available tools with automation and batch processing capabilities.
• Extract complex information in 3D using newly introduced segmentation tools.
• Get faster information from image data with Deep Learning Denoising tool and build recipes more quickly and easily.
• Segmentation+ workroom is now ready to accelerate your interactive segmentation of even very large datasets.
• Elevate your convex object segmentation with StarDist’s precision and efficiency.
• Access the Xtras library directly from Amira Software applications.

Regenerative medicine and Cell therapy: Maturing your knowledge with Livecyte

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Phasefocus

Peter Djali, Meetal Jotangia, Jessica Rickman

On Stand Workshop - Stand 38

Cell therapy and regenerative medicine is fast becoming a critical area of research; cellular immunotherapies are already proving successful in the fight against cancer and there are a host of approved cellular regenerative therapies with >4000 ongoing clinical trials worldwide.

In vitro studies are key to developing effective cellular treatments, commonly using stems cells or progenitor cells as a starting point with various differentiation methods to incite specific lineages. Being able to investigate the specific subpopulation phenotypes without causing harm to cells is of utmost importance and equally important from early-stage discovery to clinic. 

In this workshop you’ll learn how, through Livecyte’s Analyse software, you can isolate sub-populations within a heterogenous population based on both fluorescence and non-fluorescent based mechanisms. Navigate through Livecyte’s dashboards on a variety of cell characteristics ranging from morphology, motility to proliferation and growth to create and compare a full phenotypic profile of each sub-population and gain in-depth insights into differentiation of your cells.

Furthermore, we will show how to explore the function of your cells within an in vitro model of tissue repair with Livecyte’s wound healing assay platform. Become proficient in quantifying not only how quickly a scratch wound is closing, but why: for example, Livecyte’s single cell segmentation and tracking differentiates between cells migrating quicker or with more directionality. Its Wound Healing dashboard gives you a robust and reliable wound closure profile overcoming the limitations of classic scratch wound metrics and confluence-based approaches and ultimately adding an extra dimension when investigating collective migration, an inherent part of tissue repair and wound healing.

Microscope Performance Monitor with the new FLUOVIEW FV4000

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Evident

Buelent Peker

Workshop Room 4A

Performance is critical

Assessing the status of a microscope and controlling its according performance is critical, especially in a multi-user environment like an imaging core facility. 

Being able to quickly conclude where unexpected results originate from, and which countermeasures need to be taken will help to maintain operational status and to take action to even prevent breakdowns and malfunctions.

The Fluoview Microscope Performance Monitor

In this EVIDENT workshop we will introduce a new embedded performance assessment software and hardware modules which will help to evaluate and monitor the microscope performance.

Unlock the potential of your microscopy data using fast and big data capable AI Segmentation in Imaris

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Oxford Instruments Andor

Anna Paszulewicz

Workshop Room 4B

In this workshop you’ll learn how to streamline and leverage your image analysis with the AI segmentation tools (machine learning). In Imaris 10.1, a native, AI Trainable pixel classifier is an integral part of its big-data-capable Surface segmentation model (100s of GBs). 

During this workshop we’ll present the unique features of Imaris AI segmentation:

• Efficient training on thick slices (visualizing biological structures) 
• Superfast predictions preview 
• Fast computations for big datasets (100s of GBs)

In addition, you’ll learn some best practices in how to use AI Segmentation Tool and how to use it on multiple images (with retrain option).

The AI Segmentation in Imaris is very easy to use even for the novices in image analysis, as the user only needs to define the interesting object and the background with a few brush strokes, which Imaris uses to learn the patterns and segment the data accordingly. Users can immediately see what the software has learned from their brush strokes, and correct if necessary. This robust tool can be applied to segment microscopy data representing samples from multiple disciplines from cell biology, organoid studies to neuroscience. 

Performing ISM-FLIM with Luminosa`s PDA-23 detection add-on

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

PicoQuant

Evanglos Sisamakis, Fabio Barachati, Max Tillmann, Johan Hummert, Marcelle Koenig, Maria Loidolt-Krueger, Ellen Schmeyer, Matthias Patting, Marcus Sackrow, Felix Koberling, Rainer Erdmann

Workshop Room 5

(Product presentation not a live Demo)

Recently, high-performance SPAD-arrays featuring few tens of pixels have become available. Combining these with suitable multi-channel TCSPC-devices enables time-resolved Image Scanning Microscopy (ISM). ISM enhances the spatial resolution and increases image contrast compared to standard confocal imaging. FLIM can provide additional functional information as well as extended marker multiplexing using lifetime contrast. So both technologies complement each other.

ISM produces images with a higher signal-to-noise ratio because no light is lost at a pinhole. Coupled with the high sensitivity of the SPAD array, this enables either image acquisition at a very high speed or very gentle live cell imaging with low excitation laser power.

Two simultaneous system demos: all-new AxL Cleared Tissue LightSheet (ASLM for ultrafast imaging of cleared specimens) and Marianas with Vector3 (spinning TIRF and photomanipulation)

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

3i - Intelligent Imaging Innovations

Benjamin Atkinson

Workshop Room 6

AxL Cleared Tissue LightSheet - Axially Swept Light Sheet Microscopy System for Ultrafast Imaging of Cleared Specimens

AxL Cleared Tissue LightSheet (AxL CTLS) is a fully automated macro zoom microscope with high NA apochromatic objectives and dual-sided light sheet illumination for imaging whole organs to small animals. Custom-designed excitation objectives and patented axially swept light sheet microscopy (ASLM) produce an exceptionally thin, long and uniform lightsheet for large-scale high-resolution imaging. ASLM scans the light sheet in its propagation direction using high-speed remote focusing synchronized to the rolling shutter readout of an sCMOS camera at the size of the beam waist. This approach creates an exceptionally thin light sheet across a large field of view resulting in images with improved optical sectioning and signal-to-noise. This scanned sheet features a constant laser intensity across the field of view for an evenly illuminated image. The 0.14NA excitation objective creates a 2μm thin waist for superior axial resolution. AxL CTLS is designed to operate optimally across a range of 1.33 to 1.56 refractive indices ensuring compatibility across all available clearing methods. The large field of view of AxL CTLS enables ultrafast imaging of whole organs to small animals. An entire mouse can be prescanned in less than 60 seconds, imaged in 20 minutes and high resolution ASLM scanned in 9 hours revealing neuronal connectivity.

Vector3 - Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) and Photomanipulation Module

Vector3 is a motorized, spinning TIRF illuminator with three key imaging modalities: TIRF, photomanipulation and widefield epifluorescence. Intelligent beam steering and optical design allow for all three imaging modes to be combined in one compact device. Vector3 offers an expansive TIRF field of view (FN20) designed for modern sCMOS cameras. Spinning the excitation beam around the back aperture of the imaging objective creates an even TIRF field without shadows or polarization artifacts. A motorized scan lens corrects for sample height variation and ensures ideal TIRF illumination and photomanipulation spot size across the visible spectrum. An easy-to-use user interface in SlideBook allows users to optimize the excitation angle between TIRF and HILO for imaging thicker samples. Photobleaching, photoconversion, and photoablation events of user-drawn ROIs are easily scripted into image acquisition. In this workshop, we will highlight the large field of view and ease-of-use of Vector3 for TIRF and photomanipulation experiments.

Intelligent Imaging Redefined: Dive into MI-SIM’s Advanced, Smart Super-Resolution World

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

CSR Biotech

Zihan Wu

Workshop Room 7

Join us for an exciting demo workshop featuring our MI-SIM super-resolution microscope! With its extraordinary spatial resolution beyond 60 nm and rapid imaging speed of up to 1500 fps, MI-SIM is a high-performance, user-friendly system designed for the future. It's ideal for detailed, dynamic studies of living cells, providing ultra-high spatial and temporal resolution.

In this workshop, we'll showcase MI-SIM’s impressive range of features:

• Hardware: Discover our all-in-one design, cutting-edge light path, and swift control mechanisms.
• Real-Time SIM: Our system allows for a preview at an impressive 85 nm resolution, offering a vivid and detailed view of mitochondrial inner membrane structures, which goes beyond the clarity provided by typical preview methods.
• Versatile 2D/3D Imaging: Explore up to 25 imaging modes, tailored for various samples like bright field, widefield, TIRF, 2D-SIM, TIRF-SIM, and 3D-SIM.
• Multi-Dimensional Imaging: Delve into multi-color and long-term imaging capabilities.
• Efficient Multi-Site Imaging: Learn how simultaneous imaging across multiple locations can drastically improve the efficiency and success of long-term live cell studies.
• Intelligent Image Stitching: Experience our system's ability to provide expansive field-of-view imaging and quick focus on regions of interest, ideal for diverse samples from dishes to tissue slices.
• Advanced Image Reconstruction: Understand how we use optical and sparse super-resolution for superior image quality.

You’re also welcome to bring your own samples to experience MI-SIM's unique features firsthand. Join us to see how MI-SIM is revolutionizing research in various scientific fields!

MI-SIM, with its ultra-low photobleaching and super-resolution features, successfully captures the dynamic movement of mitochondria within neuron 

Everything Extra-cellular Vesicles! – Harness the power of ONi super-resolution expertise to characterise your EV’s with ease

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

ONI

Franky Djutanta, Pip Timmins

Workshop Room 8

The Nanoimager is a compact and state-of-the-art microscope, offering quantitative analysis for localization-based imaging (dSTORM and PALM), single-particle tracking and single-molecule FRET.

The Nanoimager is designed to operate on a standard lab bench and has a footprint smaller than a piece of A4 paper, making it more accessible to researchers.

Exosomes and other extracellular vesicles (EVs) play key roles in cell-to-cell communication. EVs can cross biological barriers (such as the blood-brain barrier) and get internalized into the cell with a high degree of specificity. Thus, they are an ideal candidate for novel drug delivery methods and disease diagnostics. This workshop focuses on recent progress in fluorescent super-resolution imaging and characterization of extracellular vesicles using the Nanoimager and our new range of reagent kits, automated data acquisition and software tools.

This workshop is intended for people working with EV’s, exosomes, lipid nanoparticles or with interest in related fields.

Workshop attendees will receive a 10% discount voucher to be redeemed against the purchase of an EV Profiler Kit.

Fast and deep confocal imaging with Line REscan NL5+

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Confocal.nl B.V

Anna Fehér, Dušan Popov-Čeleketić

Workshop Room 10

KEYWORDS: fast confocal imaging, live cell imaging, deep imaging, REscan 

Confocal.nl developed the second generation of fast Line REscan confocal technologies. Using Line REscan technology, a confocal microscope can achieve higher temporal resolution, and simultaneously reduce the phototoxicity, allowing long term live cell imaging. The combination of camera-based detection and the slit pinhole design provides higher sensitivity and unprecedented signal-to-noise ratio. At the same time, the sectioning capability of a standard confocal microscope is fully maintained.  

The NL5+ delivers outstanding results in studying biological processes such as fast live cell dynamics, especially where high spatial and temporal resolution are required. It provides high-contrast images from thicker specimens such as organoid models and model organisms. By providing very gentle conditions for your live samples, NL5+ is the optimum choice for long time-lapse experiments and the imaging of dim samples. 

Adding NL5+ to any widefield fluorescence microscope will turn it into an advanced fast scanning confocal imaging system. The flexibility in the choice of components allows you to build a future-proof, confocal system for live cell imaging.  

Dynamics in Life: Analyse large 4D datasets seamlessly with ZEISS arivis Cloud

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Carl Zeiss Microscopy

Daniel Hansen, Alan Kidger

Workshop Room 11A

Understanding dynamic behaviour is vital to gaining insights into biological processes. Across all scales, dynamics provide a crucial insight, from movement of organisms, organs or cells, developmental changes in organisms or tissues to cell-cell interactions and intracellular molecular behaviour which one often cannot observe due to phototoxicity, slow acquisitions or too complicated software. ZEISS offers a wide range of systems & software to observe & analyse samples with minimal light exposure at high speed down to molecular resolution. 

Get ready to dive into the exciting world of light sheet microscopy and image analysis with ZEISS! Join us for an upcoming workshop where we'll demonstrate the incredible power of Deep Learning (DL) in segmenting light sheet image data.

In the field of microscopy, image segmentation is a crucial step in image analysis, and traditional methods can be time-consuming and require manual intervention. But with deep learning, we can simplify and automate the segmentation process, making it faster, more efficient than ever before and allow you to do research that was previously not possible!

During this workshop, we'll explore a fascinating case study of C. elegans embryo development, where researchers leveraged the superior performance of ZEISS arivis Cloud platform to develop DL networks that could be executed in the true 3D environment of ZEISS arivis Pro. This allowed them to segment and track cell division in a C. elegans embryo during the very early stages of development.

After the workshop, participants will be able to experience the analysed data in VR, providing a unique and immersive perspective on their research. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn how to efficiently reach results from your acquired images and experience the power of ZEISS image analysis solutions.

How to overcome the high multiplexing barrier

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Leica Microsystems

Luis Alvarez¹, Irmtraud Steinmetz¹, Tatjana Straka¹, Susanne Holzmeister¹, Quyen Tran², Julia Roberti¹

¹Leica Microsystems, Germany. ²Leica Microsystems, USA

Workshop Room 11C

The STELLARIS confocal platform is particularly well suited for high multiplexing strategies as it combines a freely tunable white light laser (WLL) (440nm - 790nm) excitation with up to 5 highly sensitive spectral detectors for complete flexibility of detection from 410 nm up to the NIR range¹. This unique combination allows it to fit a large palette of fluorophores and to optimise any possible combination.

In this workshop, we will elaborate on the experimental design and considerations needed to perform high multiplexing imaging experiments beyond 10 fluorophores on a single sample². We will discuss appropriate fluorophore panels, details of sample preparation and the challenges and tools required for imaging. 

Gathering insights from these rich and detailed images requires advanced image analysis. We will also showcase how Aivia’s advanced tools, many powered by AI, can support this requirement.

References 

1. Application Note: The Power HyD family of detectors, Schweikhard et al. (2022). Nature Methods, doi: d42473-020-00398-0 
2. Multiplexing through Spectral Separation of 11 Colors, Hoffmann S. et al. (2022). https://www.leica-microsystems.com/science-lab/life-science/multiplexing-through-spectral-separation-of-11-colors/ 

AI-Powered High Content Imaging and Analysis with Nikon's Eclipse Ji

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Nikon Europe BV

Subash Chinnaraj

Workshop Room 13

Nikon's Eclipse Ji offers a research grade acquisition and analysis solution, integrated with AI technology, in the form of an easy-to-use benchtop laboratory instrument. By leveraging the NIS-Elements Smart Experiments module, this system allows for high content imaging and analysis to be performed effortlessly with predefined assays, eliminating the need for time-consuming setup processes. The Eclipse Ji is equipped with a range of robust ready-to-use assays, enabling rapid acquisition and analysis, effectively reducing microscopy time. The software automatically visualizes the analyzed data using a range of visualization tools, including heatmaps, scatter plots, drug response curves, and box plots, enhancing data interpretation and insight generation.

Additionally, the system seamlessly transforms into a research grade inverted microscope for various imaging requirements with a simple click. The JOBS and GA3 modules provide a no-code environment, facilitating the development of custom workflows and intelligent microscopy experiments effortlessly. Furthermore, the Eclipse Ji offers flexibility by supporting the entire range of Nikon Objectives and additional cameras.

Join our workshop to discover how you can obtain high content data within minutes, without the complexities of experimental setup and analysis. Gain insights into the full range of AI functions that enable autonomous cellular imaging and data collection. Experience the efficiency and convenience of Nikon's Eclipse Ji in transforming your imaging workflows.

Next Generation Light Sheet Microscopy: Smart interaction with your Luxendo Light Sheet Microscope

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Bruker

Monika Löschinger, Björn Eismann, Jürgen Mayer

Workshop Room 14

Light sheet microscopy is the most versatile imaging method, when imaging three dimensional fluorescent samples across all different biological scales. Diverse implementations of this technology have allowed researchers to visualize samples over time, ranging from sub cellular components up to multi-centimeter sized organisms in three dimensions. 

In this workshop Luxendo presents two florescent microscopes and their respective applications at both ends of the scale. We present the TruLive3D Imager, a light sheet microscope, that is capable of imaging of living cells and organisms at sub-cellular resolution, over several days, without significantly affecting the viability nor the biology. In addition, the TruLive3D imager is showcased with our Photo-Manipulation (PM) Module, that uses a diffraction limited laser beam for photo-manipulating the sample.

Secondly, we present the Large Cleared Sample (LCS) light sheet microscope, capable of imaging a complete mouse in multiple colors at cellular resolution in its entry, within a short time frame.

What to expect: To overcome challenges of light sheet microcopy and the interaction with the sample, Luxendo has implemented a unified solution for all Luxendo microscope products in its 

LuxBundle software. In this workshop we will focus on our seamless integration of a flexible and easy-to-use interface for smart image acquisition, fast 3D viewing of data, and powerful post-processing capabilities of the LuxBundle software. From simple linear workflows to complex multidimensional experiments, LuxBundle flexible design guides you seamlessly through the processes.  

We will showcase exemplary light sheet imaging applications, starting from sample mounting to smart tiling experimental setup, selective ROI tracking, fast 3D imaging and smart data processing. We will highlight how the Luxendo software can be used for customized, smart microscopy workflows, supported by a fully scriptable open interface.

Light sheet microscopy goes LightSpeed: a new era in 3D imaging with UltraMicroscope Blaze™

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Miltenyi Biotec

Guruchandar Arulmozhivarman¹, Jak Grimes², Christine Ahlert¹

¹Miltenyi Biotec, Germany. ²Miltenyi Biotec, United Kingdom

Workshop Room 17

Visualizing the three-dimensional architecture of complex and large organisms has traditionally been a time-intensive task, often requiring several hours to days. In order to make the process easier, Miltenyi Biotec offers comprehensive solutions aimed at streamlining the process and providing a hassle-free 3D imaging workflow. Our workshop therefore invites you to explore the next era of 3D imaging, where we will showcase live demonstrations of our innovative techniques.

Join us as we guide you through the entire 3D imaging process, highlighting our latest advancements, including LightSpeed mode, which boosts imaging speed by up to 60 times, and the MACS iQ View – 3D Large Volume package. Through these demonstrations, you will experience firsthand how our cutting-edge light sheet system, the UltraMicroscope Blaze, seamlessly integrates into your research workflow, providing scalability and efficiency like never before. Additionally, we will delve into our 3D/2D workflow that combines 3D data with high-plex imaging, offering a comprehensive approach to your research needs.

Fluorescence Imaging Optimisation with Virtex Real-Time Experiment Controller in Visiview 6.0 and Integration with Orbital Ring-TIRF Technology

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Photon Lines Ltd

Helmut Wurm¹, Martyn Reynolds²

¹Visitron GmBH, Germany. ²Photon Lines Ltd, United Kingdom

Workshop Room 18

This workshop will give an overview of the latest features in VisiView multidimensional imaging software and precise experiment timing control using the ViRTEx interface. Recent developments in Ring TIRF technology will also be presented.

The workflow oriented VisiView design offers an intuitive image acquisition platform for most complex multidimensional life science applications. The flexible and customisable hardware support of any microscope platform, scientific grade camera or high quality microscopy peripheral, including Confocal, FRAP or TIRF control offers each researcher the optimum solution.

The ViRTEx-100/200 provides sophisticated experiment control, where precise timing is essential. Typically it is used in Confocal, FRAP and TIRF experiments where fast and highly accurate TTL synchronization of camera exposure periods is required with illumination devices like LED or laser systems. Furthermore for precise and stable Z-stack 3D image acquisition, synchronisation of Z-Focus Piezo movements is required at high speed, functionality fully supported by the ViRTEx-200 device.

The VisiTIRF-ORBITAL is a compact and powerful high speed 2D galvo driven spinning Ring-TIRF laser illumination system. It offers a large and evenly illuminated field of view to enable applications such as single molecule tracking or SMLM - Single Molecule Localisation Microscopy for superresolution imaging. Full 360 degree positioning of the laser spot by free circular diameter or elliptical trajectory at the back focal plane of the high aperture TIRF objective offers illumination with minimal fringes or shading gradients.

abberior STED workshop: Dynamic aberration correction in STED microscopy

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Abberior Instruments

Steffen Restel¹, Julia Menzel¹, Florian Grimm², Bastian Klußmann-Fricke¹, Jan-Gero Schlötel¹, Dennis Uhlenkamp¹, Martin Meschkat¹, Christian A. Wurm^1,2

¹Abberior Instruments, Germany. ²Abberior, Germany

Workshop Room 19

In microscopy, the quality of images is heavily influenced by the optical properties of the sample. Aberrations, caused by inconsistencies within the sample or inadequate immersion, can significantly impact the ability to focus and obtain high-quality images. This issue is particularly important for super-resolution microscopy techniques such as STimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy. Multi-color STED microscopy is widely used to resolve nano-scale organizations in fixed and live cells [1,2] as well as in tissue [3]. In STED microscopy, precise and accurate focusing of both the excitation and depletion lasers within the sample is crucial. This can be achieved through adaptive optics, which is a powerful tool for aberration correction. 

The abberior RAYSHAPE employs adaptive optics by using a deformable mirror to dynamically redirect aberrated light, thereby restoring the ability to focus [4]. This enables the acquisition of high-quality images of challenging and complex biological samples, including organoids, whole mount preparations of organs, plant tissue, tissue sections, and samples from expansion microscopy (ExM). Without RAYSHAPE, the excitation laser power would need to be increased with deeper focus levels to compensate for the loss of signal caused by aberrations. In contrast, RAYSHAPE allows for the preservation of both resolution and brightness deep within thick samples, while enabling imaging at low light levels with improved confocal, 2D and 3D STED resolution. This correction of aberrations with RAYSHAPE is dynamic across a wide range of z-levels and sets it apart from traditional mechanical aberration corrections, providing clear advantages in image quality and general imaging flexibility. 

In this workshop, participants will learn the advantage of dynamic aberration correction provided in the abberior FACILITY LINE. We will demonstrate how complex samples benefit from RAYSHAPE to ensure high quality super-resolution STED imaging throughout the entire depth of the sample.

Figure 1: Confocal imaging with RAYSHAPE correction . xz section of a stage 17 Drosophila embryo stained for chitin (abberior LIVE 610, green) and DNA (abberior LIVE 550, cyan).

References:
[1] Hell, S.W., Wichmann, J., 1994. Breaking the diffraction resolution limit by stimulated emission: stimulated-emission-depletion fluorescence microscopy. Opt. Lett. 19, 780
[2] Saal, S.J., Hell, S.W., Jakobs, S., 2017. Fluorescence nanoscopy in cell biology. Nat Rev. 18
[3] Urban, N.T., Willig K.I., Hell, S.W., Nägerl, V., 2011. STED Nanoscopy of Actin Dynamics in Synapses Deep Inside Living Brain Slices. Biophys J. 7, 101(5)
[4] Gould, TJ., Burke, D., Bewersdorf, J., and Booth M.J., 2012. Adaptive optics enables 3D STED microscopy in aberrating specimens. Optics Express 20, 19

Ultra-large field of view super-resolution microscopy

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Chip NanoImaging

Merete Storflor, Øystein Helle, Jon Kristian Hagene

Workshop Room 20

The diversity of your biological processes can be captured with chip-based TIRF microscopy. Chip NanoImaging provides precise optical sectioning over an ultra-large field of view. The imaging platform allows for both live- and fixed- cell imaging. Using multimode waveguide technology, a well-defined and homogeneous TIRF illumination can be generated. This is particularly well-suited for exploring membrane dynamics and drug-interactions.  

Chip NanoImaging provides a complete microscope system with both TIRF and EPI illumination. It also comes with a software package that enables contrast enhancement for both 2D (TIRF), and 3D (EPI) imaging. During the workshop, we will demonstrate that the ultra-large field of view chip-based TIRF is ideal for both diffraction limited as well as super-resolution microscopy using single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM). We will also demonstrate how the large SMLM datasets are efficiently reconstructed with user-friendly GPU-accelerated post-processing software.

Holotomography and its X-tra way of doing label-free imaging

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Tomocube

Daniel Ghete

Workshop Room 21

Holotomography (HT), also known as 3D quantitative phase imaging, is a cutting-edge technique that captures the subcellular details of living cells in 3D and in real-time. Overcoming the limitations caused by phototoxicity and photobleaching in fluorescence-based imaging techniques, HT offers a powerful research tool with transformative capabilities for exploring diverse biological phenomena.

Our workshop aims to introduce the fundamental principles and diverse applications of our latest HT system - the HT-X1. This innovative platform enables the acquisition of high-resolution images for a wide array of biological specimens, including cells, microorganisms, organoids, and tissue samples.

Experience firsthand demonstrations featuring a range of samples and vessel types in our workshop. Furthermore, we will also introduce the enhanced functionalities of the newly launched analysis software, TomoAnalysis, for cellular segmentation and quantification.

Features

• Label-free 3D live cell imaging of monolayered cells and 3D organoids
• Correlative fluorescence imaging for comprehensive biomolecular specificity insights
• Built-in incubator that provides a stable cell culture environment
• Multi-well plate compatibility for high-throughput experiments
• Quantitative measurement and analysis of cells and subcellular components

Image Quality Control: Automated check for imaging artifacts

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

SVI - Huygens Software

Danielle Mijnheer, Jasper van der Rijst

On Stand Workshop - Stand 2

Irrespective of whether your microscope image content is from biological or bead origin, Huygens brand-new Quality Control tool measures and reports the image quality with one click of a button.

Acquisition issues such as: under-sampling, clipping, bleaching, crosstalk, chromatic aberration, drift, and hot and cold pixels are measured within seconds, and help is offered to understand and fix these issues. During this workshop session, we will demonstrate this new Quality Control tool and show also how easy it is to correct the reported acquisition problems with the subsequent Huygens restoration options. Using the QC tool, your image data will be of higher quality, offering improved visualization and more reliable and unbiased analysis.

‘SmartSPIM Light Sheet’ – Rapid volumetric imaging of whole cleared samples using axial sweeping technology.

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Cairn Research Ltd

Andrew Allan

On Stand Workshop - Stand 5

The SmartSPIM light sheet is designed for speed, resolution and flexibility. A microscope that can adapt and evolve to push the boundaries of scientific research. Utilising patented axial sweeping technology near-isotropic resolution images can be acquired at high speed. A large sample chamber accommodates multiple whole samples and tissue types for sequential imaging using the intuitive software interface.

This workshop will provide you with an opportunity to:   

• listen to a short presentation about the SmartSPIM light sheet and its utility for imaging a range of different samples, from single organoids to a whole newborn mouse. 
• learn how samples are mounted within the SmartSPIM
• see how to quickly and easily setup a volumetric tile scan of a cleared sample 

Imaging-based spatial -omics: merging Spinning Disk Confocal and SIM technologies from tissue to single cell level

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

CrestOptics SpA

Luca Clario, Francesco Bacchi

On Stand Workshop - Stand 8

Spatial -omics technologies enable a deeper understanding of cellular organizations and interactions within a tissue of interest. These assays can identify specific compartments or regions in a tissue with differential transcript or protein abundance, delineate their interactions, and complement other methods in defining cellular phenotypes. Imaging-based spatial transcriptomics mainly uses epifluorescence microscopy, which has shown remarkable results for the identification of multiple targets in situ. Nonetheless, the number of genes that can be reliably visualized is limited by the diffraction of light and by the concentration of fluorescence targets in the single FOV, also referred to as the optical crowding. Besides, spatial biology is gradually moving towards the transcriptomic profiling of thicker samples and up to whole organs and embryos where good optical sectioning capacity is required. Therefore, alternative methods to standard wide field imaging are rapidly sought for robust and reliable detection of each individual transcript. In this workshop, CrestOptics Spinning Disk Confocal and SIM (Structured Illumination Microscopy) technologies are proposed in a combined experimental setup to increase spatial resolution (minimum size of molecular units profiled), coverage (breadth of tissue covered), scale and throughput (number of samples and profiling speed), and multiplexing capacity (breadth of molecular entities profiled simultaneously). With Spinning Disk Confocal tile scan and Z-stacks of entire tissue sections are accomplished at high speed. SIM can help to untangle high-density areas and resolve numerous spots in close proximity at subcellular levels. Taken together, Spinning Disk Confocal and SIM have the capacity to improve spot detection and overall data quality in spatial transcriptomics with respect to standard wide field microscopy plus deconvolution approach.

Proliferate, Invade, Metastasise: Understanding the cancer cell journey with Livecyte

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Phasefocus

Peter Djali, Meetal Jotangia, Jessica Rickman

On Stand Workshop - Stand 38

‘Why is there no correlation between my in vitro and in vivo data?’ is a major question asked by cancer researchers. Investigating the mechanism of potential cancer therapies usually relies on the use of fluorescence markers and relatively high light levels which can ultimately perturb the natural function of cells. A solution is Livecyte; its label-free technique can reliably measure cell behaviour, identify mitotic cells and changes in the cell cycle without causing toxicity effects, thereby providing a more physiologically relevant assay model.

We’ll present how Livecyte’s single cell tracking and segmentation is perfect for investigating cancer candidate compounds.  We’ll give an overview of how our analysis gives not only dynamic population information on the phenotypic changes characteristic of tumour behaviour but also delves down to the single cell level.  We’ll show you how you can acquire multi-generational lineage data, magnifying changes in the cell cycle, particularly outlier cells which may show traces of drug resistance.

Through this workshop you can learn how Livecyte’s well designed dashboards tell you more about pharmacological effects on cancer cell division, invasion and metastasis by tracking your cancer cell behaviour such as proliferation, growth and motility.

With a deep dive using Livecytes explore results page you gain insight into cell cycle changes at a single cell level. Through changes in growth characteristics, such as individual cell dry mass, Livecyte is able to distinguish heterogeneity in cell division times in a seemingly homogenous population of cells. You can therefore distinguish how individual cells are responding to the drug and review a lineage tree comparing individual cells and their progeny over multiple generations.

Know, measure and monitor the performance of your fluorescence microscopes

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 5 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

ARGOLIGHT

Arnaud ROYON

On Stand Workshop - Stand 41

One of the core facilities’ duties is to provide end-users, usually researchers in life sciences, a fleet of microscopes at a level of performance compatible with their experiments. This is not an easy task because microscopes intrinsically introduce biases in the images and because their performance tends to fluctuate or deteriorate over time for many reasons: misusing, aging, environment fluctuations, etc. This is especially true for high end imaging systems such as confocal or super-resolution microscopes.

To get quantitative and reproducible data, assessing the performance of fluorescence microscopes is a prerequisite before any imaging campaign, to know, measure and eventually correct the different biases they can introduce. For example, system co-registration accuracy should be evaluated before any co-localization study; System field uniformity and intensity response before any study where intensity in the image matters; Spatial resolution before any study aiming at counting objects close to each other, etc.

At the age of big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive models, it is essential to perform quality control and quality assurance at any step of a bio-imaging experiment: at the sample preparation level, at the imaging system level, and at the image analysis level, to extract the sought biological information. Feeding the image analysis algorithms with corrupted image data gives rise to the well-known adage: “garbage in, garbage out”.

The workshop aims to show how the quality control and quality assurance of fluorescence imaging systems can be performed and standardized with Argolight solutions, and how the generated quality data can be managed and centralized for later reporting.

The new FLUOVIEW FV4000 laser scanning microscope

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Evident

Buelent Peker

Workshop Room 4A

Join us for an immersive EVIDENT workshop centered around the groundbreaking FLUOVIEW FV4000 confocal microscope. Tailored for imaging core facilities, this workshop offers a hands-on exploration of the latest advancements and cutting-edge capabilities of the FV4000.

Throughout the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to explore advanced imaging technologies enabled by the state-of-the-art FV4000. From its revolutionary SilVIR™ detector, boasting unparalleled sensitivity, signal-to-noise ratio, and dynamic range, to its high-speed imaging capabilities and AI-based noise reduction, discover how the FV4000 can elevate your facility's imaging capabilities to new heights.

Unlock the potential of your microscopy data using fast and big data capable AI Segmentation in Imaris

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Oxford Instruments Andor

Anna Paszulewicz

Workshop Room 4B

In this workshop you’ll learn how to streamline and leverage your image analysis with the AI segmentation tools (machine learning). In Imaris 10.1, a native, AI Trainable pixel classifier is an integral part of its big-data-capable Surface segmentation model (100s of GBs). 

During this workshop we’ll present the unique features of Imaris AI segmentation:

• Efficient training on thick slices (visualizing biological structures) 
• Superfast predictions preview 
• Fast computations for big datasets (100s of GBs)

In addition, you’ll learn some best practices in how to use AI Segmentation Tool and how to use it on multiple images (with retrain option).

The AI Segmentation in Imaris is very easy to use even for the novices in image analysis, as the user only needs to define the interesting object and the background with a few brush strokes, which Imaris uses to learn the patterns and segment the data accordingly. Users can immediately see what the software has learned from their brush strokes, and correct if necessary. This robust tool can be applied to segment microscopy data representing samples from multiple disciplines from cell biology, organoid studies to neuroscience. 

Pushing Boundaries in FLIM to Enhance Efficiency, Quality and Reproducibility

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

PicoQuant

Isabel Gross, Fabio Barachati, Marcelle Koenig, Maria Loidolt-Krueger, Ellen Schmeyer, Matthias Patting, Marcus Sackrow, Uwe Ortmann, Evangelos Sisamakis, Felix Koberling, Rainer Erdmann

Workshop Room 5

Quantitative time-resolved fluorescence techniques like Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) have become more attractive recently to study mechanisms driven by phase separation or to sense the cellular environment, for example. 

PicoQuant`s innovative confocal microscope Luminosa combines state-of-the-art hardware with cutting edge software to deliver high quality data while simplifying daily operation. The software includes several features which improve the ease of use and reproducibility of experiments, including context-based workflows, sample-free auto-alignment and excitation laser power calibration. Still, if required for new method development every optomechanical component can be fully accessible.

We will show how FLIM is streamlined with Luminosa. Luminosa’s rapidFLIM hardware can record several frames per second with high photon count rates, which the software handles with a novel dynamic binning format. In combination with GPU-accelerated algorithms, this enables high-speed automated analysis of FLIM images. The InstaFLIM analysis workflow suggests the best fitting model based on statistical arguments, requiring minimal user interaction. The optional NovaFLIM software package enables more extensive and advanced image analysis.

Many recent initiatives have focused their efforts on improving the aspects of Quality Assessment (QA), Quality Control (QC), and reproducibility in time-resolved fluorescence microscopy. In another push, an increasing number of funding and research institutions commit to FAIR principles as well as promoting open-science initiatives. 

The design of Luminosa`s software makes all data easily accessible. It works with the open, well documented PTU data format, enabling custom analysis. Moreover, it includes various data export options.

Two simultaneous system demos: all-new AxL Cleared Tissue LightSheet (ASLM for ultrafast imaging of cleared specimens) and Marianas with Vector3 (spinning TIRF and photomanipulation)

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

3i - Intelligent Imaging Innovations

Benjamin Atkinson

Workshop Room 6

AxL Cleared Tissue LightSheet - Axially Swept Light Sheet Microscopy System for Ultrafast Imaging of Cleared Specimens

AxL Cleared Tissue LightSheet (AxL CTLS) is a fully automated macro zoom microscope with high NA apochromatic objectives and dual-sided light sheet illumination for imaging whole organs to small animals. Custom-designed excitation objectives and patented axially swept light sheet microscopy (ASLM) produce an exceptionally thin, long and uniform lightsheet for large-scale high-resolution imaging. ASLM scans the light sheet in its propagation direction using high-speed remote focusing synchronized to the rolling shutter readout of an sCMOS camera at the size of the beam waist. This approach creates an exceptionally thin light sheet across a large field of view resulting in images with improved optical sectioning and signal-to-noise. This scanned sheet features a constant laser intensity across the field of view for an evenly illuminated image. The 0.14NA excitation objective creates a 2μm thin waist for superior axial resolution. AxL CTLS is designed to operate optimally across a range of 1.33 to 1.56 refractive indices ensuring compatibility across all available clearing methods. The large field of view of AxL CTLS enables ultrafast imaging of whole organs to small animals. An entire mouse can be prescanned in less than 60 seconds, imaged in 20 minutes and high resolution ASLM scanned in 9 hours revealing neuronal connectivity.

Vector3 - Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) and Photomanipulation Module

Vector3 is a motorized, spinning TIRF illuminator with three key imaging modalities: TIRF, photomanipulation and widefield epifluorescence. Intelligent beam steering and optical design allow for all three imaging modes to be combined in one compact device. Vector3 offers an expansive TIRF field of view (FN20) designed for modern sCMOS cameras. Spinning the excitation beam around the back aperture of the imaging objective creates an even TIRF field without shadows or polarization artifacts. A motorized scan lens corrects for sample height variation and ensures ideal TIRF illumination and photomanipulation spot size across the visible spectrum. An easy-to-use user interface in SlideBook allows users to optimize the excitation angle between TIRF and HILO for imaging thicker samples. Photobleaching, photoconversion, and photoablation events of user-drawn ROIs are easily scripted into image acquisition. In this workshop, we will highlight the large field of view and ease-of-use of Vector3 for TIRF and photomanipulation experiments.

Enhanced and Easy way to perform simultaneous multi-color SMLM on Abbelight SAFe imaging platform

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Abbelight

Caterina Severi

Workshop Room 7

Biological imaging has successfully pierced the nanoscale in the recent years. Resolving the intricate interaction of multiple targets in a system, naturally represents the next step in the evolution of fluorescence nanoscopy. Multicolor imaging is a powerful approach which allows to elucidate the interaction between different components in a biological environment. However, multicolor imaging comes with a host of technical challenges, mainly chromatic aberration, crosstalk and longer imaging times. Hurdles that are amplified when performing nanoscopy.

For single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM), one of the most promising innovations to overcome the aforementioned obstacles is spectral demixing, which employs dyes that have very similar emission properties. In this workshop spectral demixing will be showcased in a stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) experiment 

Meanwhile, DNA-PAINT (DNA-Point accumulation for imaging in nanoscale topography) inherently holds great potential for multicolor imaging due to its different approach to attaining the “blinking” required for SMLM. DNA-PAINT relies on the rapid hybridization and dehybridization of short complementary DNA strands, retaining a dye long enough close to the target to collect a few thousand photons and ‘localize’ it before the dye diffuses off again. 

With this workshop, we would like to demonstrate the versatility of our SAFe imaging platform in acquiring simultaneous multi-color SMLM images using STORM and DNA-PAINT methods. We will image several types of sample: COS7 cells, hippocampal rat neurons and others. 

Schedule

10 min Introduction: SMLM (STORM and DNA-PAINT) and Abbelight setup (Presentation) 

5 min   Acquisition on a one-color image, explanation of the imaging parameters

15 min Simultaneous two color DNA-PAINT imaging using Cy3b/Atto655 dye combination

15 min Simultaneous two color STORM imaging using AF647/CF680 dye combination

15 min  Summary of the workshop & Questions

Are you ready to begin your dSTORM journey? An introduction to the Nanoimager and the dSTORM Training Kit

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

ONI

Franky Djutanta, Pip Timmins

Workshop Room 8

The Nanoimager is a compact and state-of-the-art microscope, offering quantitative analysis for localization-based imaging (dSTORM and PALM), single-particle tracking and single-molecule FRET.

The Nanoimager is designed to operate on a standard lab bench and has a footprint smaller than a piece of A4 paper, making it more accessible to researchers.

The ONI Training Kit™ for dSTORM is designed to provide a simple workflow for new and existing users to learn the fundamentals of single-molecule localization microscopy. Purchase of the training kit gives a free pass to one of our certified ‘Live from the Lab’ On-line training courses.

This workshop is intended for people who are new to dSTORM imaging or who want to brush up on their knowledge. 

Workshop attendees will receive a 10% discount voucher to be redeemed against the purchase of a Training Kit

Cell-friendly profound 3D super resolution confocal imaging with Point REscan GAIA

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Confocal.nl B.V

Janine Cravo, Dušan Popov-Čeleketić

Workshop Room 10

KEYWORDS: super resolution, confocal imaging, live cell imaging, deep imaging, REscan  

One of the main goals of advanced optical microscopy is the development of systems enabling real-time live cell super resolution imaging. The most severe limitation towards this is the extreme phototoxicity of such systems. To tackle this and achieve cell-friendly super resolution imaging, Confocal.nl developed GAIA, the latest generation of the Point REscan confocal technology. This disruptive technology enables super resolution imaging in extremely cell friendly conditions. In addition, GAIA allows deep imaging beyond the diffraction limit while using ultra-low laser power. 

GAIA is equipped with a switchable pinhole that allows enhanced flexibility, sensitivity, and optimal confocality. By Nyquisting every objective and enabling fast multicolour imaging over a large field of view (FOV), GAIA establishes itself as the most light-efficient super resolution confocal system on the market. GAIA is optimized for both VIS and NIR imaging as well as for super resolution with both high and low magnification objectives. 

GAIA is an easy to use add-on to any widefield microscope. As it is uniquely capable to image beyond the diffraction limit using low magnification objectives and, consequently, to image live samples deeper than 500 µm while sustaining their viability over extended periods. As imaging up to 100 µm is considered deep in confocal and super resolution microscopy, we termed super resolution confocal imaging deeper than 500 µm as profound. 

Dynamics in Life: The ZEISS Lattice SIM family for Super-resolution across scales

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Carl Zeiss Microscopy

Chris Power¹, Ed Rea²

¹Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH, Germany. ²Carl Zeiss Ltd, United Kingdom

Workshop Room 11A

Understanding dynamic behaviour is vital to gaining insights into biological processes. Across all scales, dynamics provide a crucial insight, from movement of organisms, organs or cells, developmental changes in organisms or tissues to cell-cell interactions and intracellular molecular behaviour which one often cannot observe due to phototoxicity, slow acquisitions or too complicated software. ZEISS offers a wide range of systems & software to observe & analyse samples with minimal light exposure at high speed down to molecular resolution. 

The ZEISS Lattice SIM super-resolution technology has taken research beyond the diffraction limit of conventional microscopy, giving you gentle super-resolution imaging with incredibly high speed and the ability to image deeper into challenging samples beyond 120 nm.  Lattice SIM² uses a 2D Lattice pattern that only requires translation, no rotation, for improved speed and higher contrast for deeper penetration into samples. SIM Apotome mode uses 2D striped illumination also without rotation for ultra-fast, exceptional optical sectioning. In combination with our SIM² reconstruction algorithm, both technologies keep pushing SIM to a new level.

Technology that enables imaging the details of biological samples with super-resolution is great, but each application comes with specific challenges and requirements, for example: imaging speed to capture dynamics, large fields of view and excellent 3D capabilities for contextual imaging of larger samples, sensitivity to image delicate samples, or resolution at the edge of what's physically possible to reveal subcellular ultrastructure. 

If you wish you could meet these requirements for each of your samples in the best possible way, while remaining flexible across scales, then join us at elmi2024 to be introduced to a new family of ZEISS imaging systems that will allow you to reveal cellular behavior and inter-cellular dynamics, the vibrant sub-organelle network of life, and life across scales-down to molecular details. 

How to overcome the high multiplexing barrier

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Leica Microsystems

Luis Alvarez¹, Irmtraud Steinmetz¹, Tatjana Straka¹, Susanne Holzmeister¹, Quyen Tran², Julia Roberti¹

¹Leica Microsystems, Germany. ²Leica Microsystems, USA

Workshop Room 11C

The STELLARIS confocal platform is particularly well suited for high multiplexing strategies as it combines a freely tunable white light laser (WLL) (440nm - 790nm) excitation with up to 5 highly sensitive spectral detectors for complete flexibility of detection from 410 nm up to the NIR range¹. This unique combination allows it to fit a large palette of fluorophores and to optimise any possible combination.

In this workshop, we will elaborate on the experimental design and considerations needed to perform high multiplexing imaging experiments beyond 10 fluorophores on a single sample². We will discuss appropriate fluorophore panels, details of sample preparation and the challenges and tools required for imaging. 

Gathering insights from these rich and detailed images requires advanced image analysis. We will also showcase how Aivia’s advanced tools, many powered by AI, can support this requirement.

References 

1. Application Note: The Power HyD family of detectors, Schweikhard et al. (2022). Nature Methods, doi: d42473-020-00398-0 
2. Multiplexing through Spectral Separation of 11 Colors, Hoffmann S. et al. (2022). https://www.leica-microsystems.com/science-lab/life-science/multiplexing-through-spectral-separation-of-11-colors/ 

Discover the power of AX versatility with its newly developed laser solutions!

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Nikon Europe BV

Sabrina Delattre

Workshop Room 13

Since its launch in April 2021, the Nikon point scanning confocal microscope AX has continuously grown with new addon releases making it even more versatile and responding to the constant requirements of the scientific community. Last year we demonstrated the capability of the NSPARC (Nikon Spatial Array Confocal) detector for extremely low noise detection and improved resolution. The program of this year is no exception, in which we wish to showcase new laser solutions for the AX confocal Series. 

The AX can be equipped with a 730nm laser and NIR (Near InfraRed) detectors responding to the increased demand for multicolor imaging. NIR imaging is known to have low phototoxicity/photobleaching to the specimen as it utilizes a longer wavelength to excite the sample and thus is an optimal method to combine with the gentleness of the AX R resonant scanner. The detection of the NIR signal can be delicate, but the AX main detector can be supplied with dedicated photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) with increased quantum efficiency (QE) in the NIR region. The sensitivity and detection of signals are not only defined by QE but are a combination of different aspects. The AX is equipped with a hexagonal pinhole which allows up to 30% increase in light collection compared to a regular square pinhole. The AX detector is designed to reduce the background noise allowing high sensitivity, high-quality images. Finally, the overall optical design is made so that the detection is extremely efficient making the AX R series remarkably performant to detect visible and NIR signals.

Adding an extra dimension through Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging (FLIM) is another advantage that the AX R Series is offering. FLIM basic analysis (lifetime decay curve, phasor plot, time trace…) and acquisitions (large image, z stack, multipoint…) are neatly implemented in Nikon NIS-Elements software while the power of advanced analysis by PicoQuant Symphotime software can easily be accessed from NIS-Elements. With the constant support and collaboration from PicoQuant we have been working on pushing even further the implementation of AX with FLIM. 

So do not wait and register for our AX workshop and be the first to discover what we have been working on!

Next Generation Light Sheet Microscopy: Smart interaction with your Luxendo Light Sheet Microscope

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Bruker

Monika Löschinger, Björn Eismann, Jürgen Mayer

Workshop Room 14

Light sheet microscopy is the most versatile imaging method, when imaging three dimensional fluorescent samples across all different biological scales. Diverse implementations of this technology have allowed researchers to visualize samples over time, ranging from sub cellular components up to multi-centimeter sized organisms in three dimensions. 

In this workshop Luxendo presents two florescent microscopes and their respective applications at both ends of the scale. We present the TruLive3D Imager, a light sheet microscope, that is capable of imaging of living cells and organisms at sub-cellular resolution, over several days, without significantly affecting the viability nor the biology. In addition, the TruLive3D imager is showcased with our Photo-Manipulation (PM) Module, that uses a diffraction limited laser beam for photo-manipulating the sample.

Secondly, we present the Large Cleared Sample (LCS) light sheet microscope, capable of imaging a complete mouse in multiple colors at cellular resolution in its entry, within a short time frame.

What to expect: To overcome challenges of light sheet microcopy and the interaction with the sample, Luxendo has implemented a unified solution for all Luxendo microscope products in its 

LuxBundle software. In this workshop we will focus on our seamless integration of a flexible and easy-to-use interface for smart image acquisition, fast 3D viewing of data, and powerful post-processing capabilities of the LuxBundle software. From simple linear workflows to complex multidimensional experiments, LuxBundle flexible design guides you seamlessly through the processes.  

We will showcase exemplary light sheet imaging applications, starting from sample mounting to smart tiling experimental setup, selective ROI tracking, fast 3D imaging and smart data processing. We will highlight how the Luxendo software can be used for customized, smart microscopy workflows, supported by a fully scriptable open interface.

Light sheet microscopy goes LightSpeed: a new era in 3D imaging with UltraMicroscope Blaze™

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Miltenyi Biotec

Guruchandar Arulmozhivarman¹, Jak Grimes², Christine Ahlert¹

¹Miltenyi Biotec, Germany. ²Miltenyi Biotec, United Kingdom

Workshop Room 17

Visualizing the three-dimensional architecture of complex and large organisms has traditionally been a time-intensive task, often requiring several hours to days. In order to make the process easier, Miltenyi Biotec offers comprehensive solutions aimed at streamlining the process and providing a hassle-free 3D imaging workflow. Our workshop therefore invites you to explore the next era of 3D imaging, where we will showcase live demonstrations of our innovative techniques.

Join us as we guide you through the entire 3D imaging process, highlighting our latest advancements, including LightSpeed mode, which boosts imaging speed by up to 60 times, and the MACS iQ View – 3D Large Volume package. Through these demonstrations, you will experience firsthand how our cutting-edge light sheet system, the UltraMicroscope Blaze, seamlessly integrates into your research workflow, providing scalability and efficiency like never before. Additionally, we will delve into our 3D/2D workflow that combines 3D data with high-plex imaging, offering a comprehensive approach to your research needs.

Aurox Unity: your go-to Desktop Confocal Microscope

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Photon Lines Ltd

Rimas Juskaitis¹, Martyn Reynolds²

¹Aurox Ltd, United Kingdom. ²Photon Lines Ltd, United Kingdom

Workshop Room 18

Aurox Unity represents a new milestone in the development of structured-illumination enabled confocal microscopy. It is a desktop system that integrates all the components required for high-end live-cell fluorescence imaging – light source, cameras, microscope optics, confocal imaging engine, x-y stage, incubator and computing core – in a single extremely compact and easy to use package. We will be demonstrating the hardware and software capabilities of the instrument and will present our ideas on how it might benefit researchers working in diverse application areas from cells to spheroids to tissue microscopy.

abberior STED Workshop: Gentle long-time STED microscopy

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Abberior Instruments

Julia Menzel¹, Steffen Restel¹, Florian Grimm², Bastian Klußmann-Fricke¹, Jan-Gero Schlötel¹, Dennis Uhlenkamp¹, Martin Meschkat¹, Christian A. Wurm^1,2

¹Abberior Instruments, Germany. ²Abberior, Germany

Workshop Room 19

Super-resolution imaging techniques like STimulated Emission Depletion (STED) allow visualization of the small size of most subcellular organelles, structures, and dynamic interactions, which is essential for many research questions [1,2]. Technical developments like improved organic dyes or pulsed lasers were already able to reduce the required light dose on the sample. Nevertheless, most sample benefit from minimal laser light exposure while maintaining maximal resolution and signal intensity.

Breakthroughs in this respect are imaging techniques like Flexposure, also known as “Adaptive Illumination”. Flexposure is based on the principal of only illuminating places in the sample where light can make a positive contribution to the image [3]. Instead of illuminating every pixel with the STED laser, the illumination is adapted dynamically in a pixel-by-pixel fashion to the structure of the sample. Therefore, only positions emitting signal are illuminated with STED light, reducing the applied light dose significantly and improving imaging of sensitive samples (Fig 1A).

Beside the intensity of a fluorophore also the fluorescence lifetime can be measured to receive information about the fluorophore’s environment such as ion concentration or pH. In STED microscopy, fluorescence lifetime information is particularly beneficial, as it can be additionally harnessed to increase resolution - especially when imaging at reduced STED laser power to protect sensitive samples (Fig. 1B)

Beside imaging techniques, new developments in organic dyes provide further improvements for long term imaging in super-resolution. Exchangeable fluorescent probes bind to genetically encoded self-labelling protein tags with high affinity but can exchange regularly [4]. Therefore, the fluorophore is exchanged on a regular basis which can prolong imaging time (Fig. 1C).

In this workshop, participants will learn how sensitive samples benefit from optimized dye and imaging techniques. We will demonstrate on the abberior FACILITY LINE how STED imaging techniques like FLEXPOSURE and TIMEBOW are used for gentle imaging with reduced applied light dose to allow long-time imaging.

Figure 1A. Long-time imaging with FLEXPOSURE. Consecutive STED images of nuclear pore complexes imaged with and without Flexposure.
B. MATRIX STED and lifetime imaging. Differentiated Caco-2 cells were stained for Actin with Star Red (provided by D.Günzel, Charité Berlin, Germany).
C. Gentle STED multi-color LIVE Cell Imaging. Mammalian cells express a Halo-X fusion protein in the outer mitochondrial membrane visualized with Abberior LIVE 590 Halo-X (magenta) and actin stained with SiR actin (green).

References
[1] Hell, S.W., Wichmann, J., 1994. Breaking the diffraction resolution limit by stimulated emission: stimulated-emission-depletion fluorescence microscopy. Opt. Lett. 19, 780
[2] Saal, S.J., Hell, S.W., Jakobs, S., 2017. Fluorescence nanoscopy in cell biology. Nat Rev. 18
[3] Heine, J., Reuss, M., Harke B., Hell, S.W., 2017. Adaptive-illumination STED nanoscopy. PNAS 114 (37)
[4] Kompa, J., Bruins, J., Glogger M., Wilhelm, J., Frei, M.S., Tarnawski, M., D’Este, E., Heilemann, M., Johnsson, K., 2023. Exchangeable HaloTag Ligands for Super-Resolution Fluorescence Microscopy. J. Am. Chem. Soc 145, 5

Ultra-large field of view super-resolution microscopy

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Chip NanoImaging

Merete Storflor, Øystein Helle, Jon Kristian Hagene

Workshop Room 20

The diversity of your biological processes can be captured with chip-based TIRF microscopy. Chip NanoImaging provides precise optical sectioning over an ultra-large field of view. The imaging platform allows for both live- and fixed- cell imaging. Using multimode waveguide technology, a well-defined and homogeneous TIRF illumination can be generated. This is particularly well-suited for exploring membrane dynamics and drug-interactions.  

Chip NanoImaging provides a complete microscope system with both TIRF and EPI illumination. It also comes with a software package that enables contrast enhancement for both 2D (TIRF), and 3D (EPI) imaging. During the workshop, we will demonstrate that the ultra-large field of view chip-based TIRF is ideal for both diffraction limited as well as super-resolution microscopy using single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM). We will also demonstrate how the large SMLM datasets are efficiently reconstructed with user-friendly GPU-accelerated post-processing software.

Holotomography and its X-tra way of doing label-free imaging

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Tomocube

Daniel Ghete

Workshop Room 21

Holotomography (HT), also known as 3D quantitative phase imaging, is a cutting-edge technique that captures the subcellular details of living cells in 3D and in real-time. Overcoming the limitations caused by phototoxicity and photobleaching in fluorescence-based imaging techniques, HT offers a powerful research tool with transformative capabilities for exploring diverse biological phenomena.

Our workshop aims to introduce the fundamental principles and diverse applications of our latest HT system - the HT-X1. This innovative platform enables the acquisition of high-resolution images for a wide array of biological specimens, including cells, microorganisms, organoids, and tissue samples.

Experience firsthand demonstrations featuring a range of samples and vessel types in our workshop. Furthermore, we will also introduce the enhanced functionalities of the newly launched analysis software, TomoAnalysis, for cellular segmentation and quantification.

Features

• Label-free 3D live cell imaging of monolayered cells and 3D organoids
• Correlative fluorescence imaging for comprehensive biomolecular specificity insights
• Built-in incubator that provides a stable cell culture environment
• Multi-well plate compatibility for high-throughput experiments
• Quantitative measurement and analysis of cells and subcellular components

Advancing quantitative analysis with batch object analysis and AI based segmentation

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

SVI - Huygens Software

Danielle Mijnheer, Jasper van der Rijst

On Stand Workshop - Stand 2

Designing a complete 3D restoration and analysis pipelines, and applying this in batch mode, is a challenge that can be easily addressed with Huygens Object Analyzer and Workflow Processor. Massive image processing with such pipelines can also be executed using Huygens new Command Line interface in combination with node/job management software. Recent additions to the Object Analyzer involves segmentation tailored towards your research with options to upload label images from AI-based tools like Cellpose and Stardist. Together with Huygens renowned deconvolution and restoration options, the Workfow Processor streamlines the whole process from image acquisition to producing true quantitative data.

During this workshop session we show how to combine image restoration with object analysis within pipelines, and how to apply AI-based segmentation in Huygens. We will also present a short overview of all other new features in Huygens.

'openFrame PRIMO' - Designing and building custom microenvironments for cells through photopatterning

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Cairn Research Ltd

Gareth Rogers

On Stand Workshop - Stand 5

Cells are sensitive to the environment around them and the 'PRIMO' photopatterning platform (from Alvéole) provides cell biologists with the flexibility to create and fine tune in vitro cell microenvironments. 'PRIMO' can be easily coupled to and is a perfect match for the 'openFrame' microscope. 

This workshop will provide you with an opportunity to: 

• listen to a short presentation about photopatterning and its utility for a range of different applications, from cell confinement and tissue engineering to the study of cytoskeletal dynamics
• see how to quickly and easily create protein micropatterns on a surface using an 'openFrame PRIMO'
• learn more about microfabrication and see how to create hydrogel structures on a surface using the 'openFrame PRIMO' 

Imaging-based spatial -omics: merging Spinning Disk Confocal and SIM technologies from tissue to single cell level

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

CrestOptics SpA

Luca Clario, Francesco Bacchi

On Stand Workshop - Stand 8

Spatial -omics technologies enable a deeper understanding of cellular organizations and interactions within a tissue of interest. These assays can identify specific compartments or regions in a tissue with differential transcript or protein abundance, delineate their interactions, and complement other methods in defining cellular phenotypes. Imaging-based spatial transcriptomics mainly uses epifluorescence microscopy, which has shown remarkable results for the identification of multiple targets in situ. Nonetheless, the number of genes that can be reliably visualized is limited by the diffraction of light and by the concentration of fluorescence targets in the single FOV, also referred to as the optical crowding. Besides, spatial biology is gradually moving towards the transcriptomic profiling of thicker samples and up to whole organs and embryos where good optical sectioning capacity is required. Therefore, alternative methods to standard wide field imaging are rapidly sought for robust and reliable detection of each individual transcript. In this workshop, CrestOptics Spinning Disk Confocal and SIM (Structured Illumination Microscopy) technologies are proposed in a combined experimental setup to increase spatial resolution (minimum size of molecular units profiled), coverage (breadth of tissue covered), scale and throughput (number of samples and profiling speed), and multiplexing capacity (breadth of molecular entities profiled simultaneously). With Spinning Disk Confocal tile scan and Z-stacks of entire tissue sections are accomplished at high speed. SIM can help to untangle high-density areas and resolve numerous spots in close proximity at subcellular levels. Taken together, Spinning Disk Confocal and SIM have the capacity to improve spot detection and overall data quality in spatial transcriptomics with respect to standard wide field microscopy plus deconvolution approach.

Amira software for light microscopy image analysis

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Sarwuth Wantha

On Stand Workshop - Stand 35

Optical imaging is a critical component of biomedical research, and the quality of these images is rapidly improving. With the increasing size and complexity of images, advanced image recognition, analysis, and enhancement is essential for understanding complex biological structures. Scientists and imaging experts require visualization and analysis of large, multi-channel, time-series data, automated imaging workflows, and correlation of multiple imaging data from multi-modal imaging systems. Thanks to rapid developments in image analysis and improved software systems, scientists can now analyze high volumes of large imaging data and accurately quantify biological structures. Stay up-to-date with the latest trends in optical imaging to stay ahead in biomedical research.

Amira software provides a flexible and comprehensive toolbox of image visualization and processing methods that can be automated through custom detection workflows to increase accuracy and efficiency. With its image registration capability, Amira is the software of choice for correlative imaging and analysis, such as the correlative study of EM data overlays onto light microscopy fluorescence image (CLEM).

Amira software supports multiple advanced image segmentation applications, making it a universal and powerful solution for the analysis of multi-modality imaging data, including those acquired from light microscopy such as confocal, light-sheet, SIM, and super-resolution microscopy.

Don't let the complexity of optical images hold you back from understanding complex biological structures. Let Amira software provide you with the full spectrum of image analysis solutions to support your scientific needs.

Join our workshop to learn the fundamentals of Amira software in image analysis, including:

• Multi-modality image registration and correlative image analysis
• Visualization of 3D volume, surface rendering and animation
• Large data multi-channel time series data handling
• Image pre-processing i.e. denoising and artefact removal
• Advanced image segmentation
• Automation, Recipe & Batch Processing
• AI-based Deep Learning & Machine Learning

To serve and protect: T-cell killing assays with Livecyte, a kinder insight into immune-cell policing

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Phasefocus

Peter Djali, Meetal Jotangia, Jessica Rickman

On Stand Workshop - Stand 38

T-cell based immunotherapy is an exciting emerging tool in the fight against cancer, with in vitro T-cell killing assays being the first step in validating the effectiveness of new therapies.

However current methods only tell a small part of the story, revealing only population-based metrics of cell death at particular timepoints, or at best looking at these death events kinetically. With no scope for cell-cell interaction kinetics or monitoring target cell proliferation and growth, this leaves a large gap in knowledge on why certain treatments are more efficacious than others. In an attempt to yield more information, current assays commonly depend upon time intensive manual tracking, or use of fluorescence imaging of T-cells, which are often primary cells, and highly sensitive to phototoxicity as a result.

In this workshop you’ll learn how, using Quantitative Phase Imaging (QPI) – a label free imaging technique, you can segment every cell. You’ll learn how, whilst protecting potentially fragile T-cells from any label, fluorescence is used to categorise between target cells, T-cells, and apoptotic cells. Delving under the hood of the advanced T-cell killing assay, you’ll see how Livecyte tracks every single target cell throughout the cell’s lifetime deriving a whole host of effector-cell: target cell kinetics and target cell information.

If that wasn’t enough, you’ll journey through the various dashboards generated from Livecyte's Analyse software to paint a full picture of T cell: target cell behaviour including the number of T-cell visits, total and average interaction time, as well the number of T-cells attached at death, and the contact time of final T-cell interaction. In parallel, our standard QPI metrics such as cell death, and total cell count, dry mass, a quantitative measure of the cellular biomass and morphology mean you can gain a complete picture of both T-cell and target cell behaviour and truly investigate the fundamental cellular mechanisms.

Meanwhile the T-cells remain entirely unlabelled, so your in vitro model is more physiologically relevant and more applicable to in vivo models.

Know, measure and monitor the performance of your fluorescence microscopes

14:30 – 15:30 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

ARGOLIGHT

Arnaud ROYON

On Stand Workshop - Stand 41

One of the core facilities’ duties is to provide end-users, usually researchers in life sciences, a fleet of microscopes at a level of performance compatible with their experiments. This is not an easy task because microscopes intrinsically introduce biases in the images and because their performance tends to fluctuate or deteriorate over time for many reasons: misusing, aging, environment fluctuations, etc. This is especially true for high end imaging systems such as confocal or super-resolution microscopes.

To get quantitative and reproducible data, assessing the performance of fluorescence microscopes is a prerequisite before any imaging campaign, to know, measure and eventually correct the different biases they can introduce. For example, system co-registration accuracy should be evaluated before any co-localization study; System field uniformity and intensity response before any study where intensity in the image matters; Spatial resolution before any study aiming at counting objects close to each other, etc.

At the age of big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive models, it is essential to perform quality control and quality assurance at any step of a bio-imaging experiment: at the sample preparation level, at the imaging system level, and at the image analysis level, to extract the sought biological information. Feeding the image analysis algorithms with corrupted image data gives rise to the well-known adage: “garbage in, garbage out”.

The workshop aims to show how the quality control and quality assurance of fluorescence imaging systems can be performed and standardized with Argolight solutions, and how the generated quality data can be managed and centralized for later reporting.

Microscope Performance Monitor with the new FLUOVIEW FV4000

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Evident

Buelent Peker

Workshop Room 4A

Performance is critical

Assessing the status of a microscope and controlling its according performance is critical, especially in a multi-user environment like an imaging core facility. 

Being able to quickly conclude where unexpected results originate from, and which countermeasures need to be taken will help to maintain operational status and to take action to even prevent breakdowns and malfunctions.

The Fluoview Microscope Performance Monitor

In this EVIDENT workshop we will introduce a new embedded performance assessment software and hardware modules which will help to evaluate and monitor the microscope performance.

From Factory to Field: An Introduction to Andor’s Microscope Quality Control Program for Guaranteed Performance and Enhanced Customer Satisfaction

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Oxford Instruments Andor

Aiden Boyce, John Oreopoulos

Workshop Room 4B

As a manufacturer of microscopes, our primary goal is to design and construct instruments which produce accurate images of specimens with the highest possibly quality. Many factors affect and limit image quality, however, including the mechanical and electrical aspects of various motorized components, along with the physical properties and the inherent variability of the optical components in use. Delivery of the best possible micrographs therefore requires an intimate understanding of these factors and the development of methods to monitor their effects during the manufacturing process.

Inspired by and building upon the success of the Quality Assessment and Reproducibility in Light Microscopy initiative (QUAREP-LiMi), Andor has established a rigorous factory quality control (QC) program which enables quantitative light microscopy with guaranteed and measurable performance specifications. This QC program has also been extended into the field where the same factory methods are implemented by field service engineers to ensure that research scientists receive hard data on all critical performance metrics that are required to reliably achieve experimental replication.

IQ (Installation qualification) is our new approach that not only certifies our Benchtop Confocal Microscope product series are set up correctly, but also that system end-users are formally trained in its fundamental operation on day 1 and given the necessary tools and standard samples to enable basic on-site QC and instrument performance monitoring. Operational Qualification (OQ) is our more stringent field service QC program that calibrates and benchmarks the system operation parameters within the customer’s facility in an ongoing manner to ensure consistent system performance that meets or exceeds published specifications.

This presentation will showcase Andor’s unique microscope testing infrastructure pipeline, from factory to field, and highlight how these QC procedures have been transformative for production output and enhanced the capabilities of our field service engineers. Service cases where QC protocols have rapidly identified and led to the rapid resolution of various quality issues with minimum downtime will also be discussed.

Monitoring of dynamic processes: An easy and reliable way to perform single molecule FRET and FCS measurements

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

PicoQuant

Evangelos Sisamakis, Mathias Bayer, Matthias Patting, Marcelle Koenig, Marcus Sackrow, André Devaux, Uwe Ortmann, Felix Koberling, Rainer Erdmann

Workshop Room 5

Single molecule studies and – more specifically – single molecule FRET methodologies have become a standard tool for studying dynamic structural changes in proteins and nucleic acids. These types of measurements can reveal dynamic events on time scales covering several orders of magnitude from ~ns to several seconds. This allows studying e.g., chain dynamics, binding, folding, allosteric events, oligomerization, and aggregation. The power of these methodologies is highlighted by the study of Intrinsically Disordered Proteins (IDPs) whose biological relevance has been increasingly studied over the recent years.

In this remote workshop we will showcase how easy it is for new users to perform single molecule measurements on two model systems:
 a) doubly labeled freely diffusing short oligonucleotides and  
 b) Cy5 molecules immobilized on the coverslip surface

Several online previews enable users to immediately judge sample and data quality. All correction parameters necessary to obtain FRET efficiency vs. stoichiometry histograms are automatically determined online, requiring no interaction from the user. The algorithm employs methodologies benchmarked by the scientific community. 

Furthermore, we will show how the variable PSF feature can be used in smFRET and FCS measurements to fine-tune the observation window of freely diffusing biomolecules.

smFRET E-S-histogram

 variable PSF

Two simultaneous system demos: all-new AxL Cleared Tissue LightSheet (ASLM for ultrafast imaging of cleared specimens) and Marianas with Vector3 (spinning TIRF and photomanipulation)

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

3i - Intelligent Imaging Innovations

Benjamin Atkinson

Workshop Room 6

AxL Cleared Tissue LightSheet - Axially Swept Light Sheet Microscopy System for Ultrafast Imaging of Cleared Specimens

AxL Cleared Tissue LightSheet (AxL CTLS) is a fully automated macro zoom microscope with high NA apochromatic objectives and dual-sided light sheet illumination for imaging whole organs to small animals. Custom-designed excitation objectives and patented axially swept light sheet microscopy (ASLM) produce an exceptionally thin, long and uniform lightsheet for large-scale high-resolution imaging. ASLM scans the light sheet in its propagation direction using high-speed remote focusing synchronized to the rolling shutter readout of an sCMOS camera at the size of the beam waist. This approach creates an exceptionally thin light sheet across a large field of view resulting in images with improved optical sectioning and signal-to-noise. This scanned sheet features a constant laser intensity across the field of view for an evenly illuminated image. The 0.14NA excitation objective creates a 2μm thin waist for superior axial resolution. AxL CTLS is designed to operate optimally across a range of 1.33 to 1.56 refractive indices ensuring compatibility across all available clearing methods. The large field of view of AxL CTLS enables ultrafast imaging of whole organs to small animals. An entire mouse can be prescanned in less than 60 seconds, imaged in 20 minutes and high resolution ASLM scanned in 9 hours revealing neuronal connectivity.

Vector3 - Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) and Photomanipulation Module

Vector3 is a motorized, spinning TIRF illuminator with three key imaging modalities: TIRF, photomanipulation and widefield epifluorescence. Intelligent beam steering and optical design allow for all three imaging modes to be combined in one compact device. Vector3 offers an expansive TIRF field of view (FN20) designed for modern sCMOS cameras. Spinning the excitation beam around the back aperture of the imaging objective creates an even TIRF field without shadows or polarization artifacts. A motorized scan lens corrects for sample height variation and ensures ideal TIRF illumination and photomanipulation spot size across the visible spectrum. An easy-to-use user interface in SlideBook allows users to optimize the excitation angle between TIRF and HILO for imaging thicker samples. Photobleaching, photoconversion, and photoablation events of user-drawn ROIs are easily scripted into image acquisition. In this workshop, we will highlight the large field of view and ease-of-use of Vector3 for TIRF and photomanipulation experiments.

High Fidelity, High Clarity: Optimize Your Fluorescence Images with MicroscopeX FINER

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

CSR Biotech

Haiwen Li

Workshop Room 7

Explore the capabilities of MicroscopeX FINER, our universal software designed to enhance fluorescence images across a variety of microscope formats. Join us in this workshop where we'll delve into:

1. Introduction to FINER:
   • Understand how it universally enhances fluorescence microscopy images.
   • Learn about its ability to improve image resolution, contrast, signal-to-noise ratio, and eliminate out-of-focus elements.
   • Discover the comprehensive computational framework built for enhancing image quality.
2. FINER’s Workflow:
   • Get familiar with the process of loading images.
   • Explore batch processing for handling multiple images efficiently.
   • See how visualization and display tools bring clarity to your images.
   • Delve into the sophisticated image analysis features of FINER.
3. Handling Diverse Fluorescence Images:
   • Gain insights into processing various types of fluorescence microscopy images effectively with FINER.

This workshop is designed to equip you with the skills to fully utilize FINER in enhancing your microscopy research. You're welcome to bring your own data to the workshop to firsthand experience the powerful capabilities of FINER.

Once processed through FINER, images exhibit significantly reduced noise and enhanced resolution, enabling more detailed and precise observations.

From Basics to brilliance. Using the ONi Nanoimager with the Discovery Kit: dSTORM in cells – The ultimate kit to prepare your samples for super-resolution with ease.

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

ONI

Franky Djutanta, Pip Timmins

Workshop Room 8

The Nanoimager is a compact and state-of-the-art microscope, offering quantitative analysis for localization-based imaging (dSTORM and PALM), single-particle tracking and single-molecule FRET.

The Nanoimager is designed to operate on a standard lab bench and has a footprint smaller than a piece of A4 paper, making it more accessible to researchers.

The ONI Discovery Kit™ for dSTORM imaging provides a modular workflow for immunofluorescent labeling in cultured cells, which allows you to confidently detect extra and intracellular proteins in two channels with 20 nm resolution and high sensitivity in your own samples. You provide the cells and primary antibodies, we provide the rest!

This workshop is intended for people who are looking to brush up on their knowledge of dSTORM and push their super resolution research further. 

Workshop attendees will receive a 10% discount voucher to be redeemed against the purchase of a Discovery Kit.

Fast and deep confocal imaging with Line REscan NL5+

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Confocal.nl B.V

Anna Fehér, Dušan Popov-Čeleketić

Workshop Room 10

KEYWORDS: fast confocal imaging, live cell imaging, deep imaging, REscan 

Confocal.nl developed the second generation of fast Line REscan confocal technologies. Using Line REscan technology, a confocal microscope can achieve higher temporal resolution, and simultaneously reduce the phototoxicity, allowing long term live cell imaging. The combination of camera-based detection and the slit pinhole design provides higher sensitivity and unprecedented signal-to-noise ratio. At the same time, the sectioning capability of a standard confocal microscope is fully maintained.  

The NL5+ delivers outstanding results in studying biological processes such as fast live cell dynamics, especially where high spatial and temporal resolution are required. It provides high-contrast images from thicker specimens such as organoid models and model organisms. By providing very gentle conditions for your live samples, NL5+ is the optimum choice for long time-lapse experiments and the imaging of dim samples. 

Adding NL5+ to any widefield fluorescence microscope will turn it into an advanced fast scanning confocal imaging system. The flexibility in the choice of components allows you to build a future-proof, confocal system for live cell imaging.  

Dynamics in Life: Reveal & visualize molecular behaviour and interactions effortlessly

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Carl Zeiss Microscopy

Ed Rea¹, Chris Power²

¹Carl Zeiss Ltd, United Kingdom. ²Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH, Germany

Workshop Room 11A

Understanding dynamic behaviour is vital to gaining insights into biological processes. Across all scales, dynamics provide a crucial insight, from movement of organisms, organs or cells, developmental changes in organisms or tissues to cell-cell interactions and intracellular molecular behaviour which one often cannot observe due to phototoxicity, slow acquisitions or too complicated software. ZEISS offers a wide range of systems & software to observe & analyse samples with minimal light exposure at high speed down to molecular resolution. 

Fundamentals of imaging dynamic processes are of course matching the spatial and temporal resolution. In addition, it needs to be ensured that sample disturbance is kept to the absolute minimum - hence light exposure needs to be kept at bay by using the most sensitive method, regardless of whether whole organisms or single molecules are investigated. 

ZEISS Dynamics Profiler uncovers molecular diffusion, concentration, and flow dynamics of fluorescent proteins in your living samples in a single, easy measurement. Delicate samples can be explored without excessive light exposure or prolonged experiment time. 

Molecular dynamics experiments were often limited by lack of necessary equipment or the need for highly trained personnel. Dynamics Profiler can be easily added to a ZEISS confocal by utilizing the sensitive Airyscan detector. Now, any proficient confocal microscopy user can go beyond traditional confocal imaging to collect molecular dynamics information about a protein of interest. The wizard-guided workflow ensures precise acquisition settings and simple data quality control. Reference images aid in sample context and measurement position documentation. Comprehensible data visualization enables intuitive access to the information obtained. Adding molecular dynamics measurements to any of your current live sample experiments has never been easier.

Develop a more in-depth profile of the molecules in your current experiments, from cell cultures to organoids to whole organisms – even for bright and challenging samples. Examples of new dimensions uncovered by Dynamics Profiler include the transition of cellular condensates formed by liquid-liquid phase separation as measured by Asymmetric Diffusion. With Flow Analysis, measure speed and direction of fluorescent molecules moving in a bloodstream or in microfluidic systems, such as organ-on-a-chip experiments.

Raw data is saved with every measurement, enabling you to perform customized analyses, either immediately or when the scientific question arises later.

It’s easier than you think to add molecular dynamics measurements to your current confocal experiments.

Artificial intelligence, laser microdissection and high-resolution imaging workflows for spatial omics

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Leica Microsystems

Mauro Baron¹, Ann Wheeler², Paul McCormick³

¹Leica Microsystems, Italy. ²Advanced Imaging Resource, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom. ³Leica Microsystems, United Kingdom

Workshop Room 11C

There has been a huge shift in the microscopy world towards spatial omics, which integratates data from -omics technologies with spatial information, enabling researchers to analyze tissues while preserving spatial context. This is crucial for understanding diverse biological processes in healthy or diseased conditions. 

For spatial omics, the collection of clean starting material, down to single cell level, without mixing molecular information with neighboring cells is essential. Laser Microdissection (LMD) is a highly precise way to isolate pure samples and preserve spatial context for downstream omics. With the added demand for large numbers of material for statistical analysis, there is also a growing interest in automated collection and AI tools^1-4. 

In this workshop, we will demonstrate new workflows for AI-guided LMD to collect regions of interest (ROI) separately or in predefined groups, offering an easier and faster approach to -omics sample preparation. 

We’ll also show how LMD can be combined with THUNDER for high-resolution fluorescence imaging. These images can then be analyzed with Aivia AI Software to identify cells of a defined phenotype and define ROIs. These will be saved in an LMD-compatible file ready to import back into the LMD software. 

Using one system for AI-guided LMD and high-resolution imaging saves space and maximizes the use of the system. In this way, the LMD workflow can build a bridge between the upstream imaging facilities and the downstream ‘omics facilities.

This workshop will be jointly presented by Dr Ann Wheeler, Head of the Advanced Light Microscopy and Super-resolution Microscopy facility at The University of Edinburgh, who will share her experience with LMD and perspective on how to best integrate it into imaging facilities. 

References

1. Mund et al., Nature Biotechnology, 2022
2. Rosenberger et al., BioRxiv, 2022
3. G Jagadeeshaprasad M et al., Bioanalysis, 2024 
4. Mao Y et al., Cell Rep, 2024 

AI-Powered High Content Imaging and Analysis with Nikon's Eclipse Ji.

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Nikon Europe BV

Subash Chinnaraj

Workshop Room 13

Nikon's Eclipse Ji offers a research grade acquisition and analysis solution, integrated with AI technology, in the form of an easy-to-use benchtop laboratory instrument. By leveraging the NIS-Elements Smart Experiments module, this system allows for high content imaging and analysis to be performed effortlessly with predefined assays, eliminating the need for time-consuming setup processes. The Eclipse Ji is equipped with a range of robust ready-to-use assays, enabling rapid acquisition and analysis, effectively reducing microscopy time. The software automatically visualizes the analyzed data using a range of visualization tools, including heatmaps, scatter plots, drug response curves, and box plots, enhancing data interpretation and insight generation.

Additionally, the system seamlessly transforms into a research grade inverted microscope for various imaging requirements with a simple click. The JOBS and GA3 modules provide a no-code environment, facilitating the development of custom workflows and intelligent microscopy experiments effortlessly. Furthermore, the Eclipse Ji offers flexibility by supporting the entire range of Nikon Objectives and additional cameras.

Join our workshop to discover how you can obtain high content data within minutes, without the complexities of experimental setup and analysis. Gain insights into the full range of AI functions that enable autonomous cellular imaging and data collection. Experience the efficiency and convenience of Nikon's Eclipse Ji in transforming your imaging workflows.

The ACQUIFER IM – versatile scripting opportunities for smart microscopy applications

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Bruker

Jochen Gehrig, Laurent Thomas

Workshop Room 14

The ACQUIFER IM is a fully automated widefield fluorescence microscope, designed for extensive multi-dimensional imaging and high-content screening. The system features a unique moving optical unit in combination with a static sample holder, rendering it ideal for non-adherent and motion-sensitive specimen.

In addition to its intuitive control software for standard imaging, the ACQUIFER IM enables fully customizable acquisition workflows through its internal scripting language or external applications via a dedicated communication protocol. This open interface facilitates customizable workflows and flexible setups, including integration with robotic lab equipment and complex smart microscopy experiments.

During the workshop, we will discuss the ACQUIFER IM's internal scripting capabilities and the targeted imaging facilitated by the ACQUIFER Plate-Viewer for pre-screening and re-screening applications. Furthermore, we will demonstrate how to control the IM from external applications such as Fiji or Python. Additionally, we will showcase how the open interface can be combined with custom ACQUIFER Fiji plugins to streamline data visualization and analysis of large image datasets.

Light sheet microscopy goes LightSpeed: a new era in 3D imaging with UltraMicroscope Blaze™

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Miltenyi Biotec

Guruchandar Arulmozhivarman¹, Jak Grimes², Christine Ahlert¹

¹Miltenyi Biotec, Germany. ²Miltenyi Biotec, United Kingdom

Workshop Room 17

Visualizing the three-dimensional architecture of complex and large organisms has traditionally been a time-intensive task, often requiring several hours to days. In order to make the process easier, Miltenyi Biotec offers comprehensive solutions aimed at streamlining the process and providing a hassle-free 3D imaging workflow. Our workshop therefore invites you to explore the next era of 3D imaging, where we will showcase live demonstrations of our innovative techniques.

Join us as we guide you through the entire 3D imaging process, highlighting our latest advancements, including LightSpeed mode, which boosts imaging speed by up to 60 times, and the MACS iQ View – 3D Large Volume package. Through these demonstrations, you will experience firsthand how our cutting-edge light sheet system, the UltraMicroscope Blaze, seamlessly integrates into your research workflow, providing scalability and efficiency like never before. Additionally, we will delve into our 3D/2D workflow that combines 3D data with high-plex imaging, offering a comprehensive approach to your research needs.

Fluorescence Imaging Optimisation with Virtex Real-Time Experiment Controller in Visiview 6.0 and Integration with Orbital Ring-TIRF Technology

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Photon Lines Ltd

Helmut Wurm¹, Martyn Reynolds²

¹Visitron GmBH, Germany. ²Photon Lines Ltd, United Kingdom

Workshop Room 18

This workshop will give an overview of the latest features in VisiView multidimensional imaging software and precise experiment timing control using the ViRTEx interface. Recent developments in Ring TIRF technology will also be presented.

The workflow oriented VisiView design offers an intuitive image acquisition platform for most complex multidimensional life science applications. The flexible and customisable hardware support of any microscope platform, scientific grade camera or high quality microscopy peripheral, including Confocal, FRAP or TIRF control offers each researcher the optimum solution.

The ViRTEx-100/200 provides sophisticated experiment control, where precise timing is essential. Typically it is used in Confocal, FRAP and TIRF experiments where fast and highly accurate TTL synchronization of camera exposure periods is required with illumination devices like LED or laser systems. Furthermore for precise and stable Z-stack 3D image acquisition, synchronisation of Z-Focus Piezo movements is required at high speed, functionality fully supported by the ViRTEx-200 device.

The VisiTIRF-ORBITAL is a compact and powerful high speed 2D galvo driven spinning Ring-TIRF laser illumination system. It offers a large and evenly illuminated field of view to enable applications such as single molecule tracking or SMLM - Single Molecule Localisation Microscopy for superresolution imaging. Full 360 degree positioning of the laser spot by free circular diameter or elliptical trajectory at the back focal plane of the high aperture TIRF objective offers illumination with minimal fringes or shading gradients.

abberior STED workshop: Dynamic aberration correction in STED microscopy

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Abberior Instruments

Steffen Restel¹, Julia Menzel¹, Florian Grimm², Bastian Klußmann-Fricke¹, Jan-Gero Schlötel¹, Dennis Uhlenkamp¹, Martin Meschkat¹, Christian A. Wurm^1,2

¹Abberior Instruments, Germany. ²Abberior, Germany

Workshop Room 19

In microscopy, the quality of images is heavily influenced by the optical properties of the sample. Aberrations, caused by inconsistencies within the sample or inadequate immersion, can significantly impact the ability to focus and obtain high-quality images. This issue is particularly important for super-resolution microscopy techniques such as STimulated Emission Depletion (STED) microscopy. Multi-color STED microscopy is widely used to resolve nano-scale organizations in fixed and live cells [1,2] as well as in tissue [3]. In STED microscopy, precise and accurate focusing of both the excitation and depletion lasers within the sample is crucial. This can be achieved through adaptive optics, which is a powerful tool for aberration correction. 

The abberior RAYSHAPE employs adaptive optics by using a deformable mirror to dynamically redirect aberrated light, thereby restoring the ability to focus [4]. This enables the acquisition of high-quality images of challenging and complex biological samples, including organoids, whole mount preparations of organs, plant tissue, tissue sections, and samples from expansion microscopy (ExM). Without RAYSHAPE, the excitation laser power would need to be increased with deeper focus levels to compensate for the loss of signal caused by aberrations. In contrast, RAYSHAPE allows for the preservation of both resolution and brightness deep within thick samples, while enabling imaging at low light levels with improved confocal, 2D and 3D STED resolution. This correction of aberrations with RAYSHAPE is dynamic across a wide range of z-levels and sets it apart from traditional mechanical aberration corrections, providing clear advantages in image quality and general imaging flexibility. 

In this workshop, participants will learn the advantage of dynamic aberration correction provided in the abberior FACILITY LINE. We will demonstrate how complex samples benefit from RAYSHAPE to ensure high quality super-resolution STED imaging throughout the entire depth of the sample.

Figure 1: Confocal imaging with RAYSHAPE correction . xz section of a stage 17 Drosophila embryo stained for chitin (abberior LIVE 610, green) and DNA (abberior LIVE 550, cyan).

References:
[1] Hell, S.W., Wichmann, J., 1994. Breaking the diffraction resolution limit by stimulated emission: stimulated-emission-depletion fluorescence microscopy. Opt. Lett. 19, 780
[2] Saal, S.J., Hell, S.W., Jakobs, S., 2017. Fluorescence nanoscopy in cell biology. Nat Rev. 18
[3] Urban, N.T., Willig K.I., Hell, S.W., Nägerl, V., 2011. STED Nanoscopy of Actin Dynamics in Synapses Deep Inside Living Brain Slices. Biophys J. 7, 101(5)
[4] Gould, TJ., Burke, D., Bewersdorf, J., and Booth M.J., 2012. Adaptive optics enables 3D STED microscopy in aberrating specimens. Optics Express 20, 19

Ultra-large field of view super-resolution microscopy

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Chip NanoImaging

Merete Storflor, Øystein Helle, Jon Kristian Hagene

Workshop Room 20

The diversity of your biological processes can be captured with chip-based TIRF microscopy. Chip NanoImaging provides precise optical sectioning over an ultra-large field of view. The imaging platform allows for both live- and fixed- cell imaging. Using multimode waveguide technology, a well-defined and homogeneous TIRF illumination can be generated. This is particularly well-suited for exploring membrane dynamics and drug-interactions.  

Chip NanoImaging provides a complete microscope system with both TIRF and EPI illumination. It also comes with a software package that enables contrast enhancement for both 2D (TIRF), and 3D (EPI) imaging. During the workshop, we will demonstrate that the ultra-large field of view chip-based TIRF is ideal for both diffraction limited as well as super-resolution microscopy using single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM). We will also demonstrate how the large SMLM datasets are efficiently reconstructed with user-friendly GPU-accelerated post-processing software.

Holotomography and its X-tra way of doing label-free imaging

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Tomocube

Daniel Ghete

Workshop Room 21

Holotomography (HT), also known as 3D quantitative phase imaging, is a cutting-edge technique that captures the subcellular details of living cells in 3D and in real-time. Overcoming the limitations caused by phototoxicity and photobleaching in fluorescence-based imaging techniques, HT offers a powerful research tool with transformative capabilities for exploring diverse biological phenomena.

Our workshop aims to introduce the fundamental principles and diverse applications of our latest HT system - the HT-X1. This innovative platform enables the acquisition of high-resolution images for a wide array of biological specimens, including cells, microorganisms, organoids, and tissue samples.

Experience firsthand demonstrations featuring a range of samples and vessel types in our workshop. Furthermore, we will also introduce the enhanced functionalities of the newly launched analysis software, TomoAnalysis, for cellular segmentation and quantification.

Features

• Label-free 3D live cell imaging of monolayered cells and 3D organoids
• Correlative fluorescence imaging for comprehensive biomolecular specificity insights
• Built-in incubator that provides a stable cell culture environment
• Multi-well plate compatibility for high-throughput experiments
• Quantitative measurement and analysis of cells and subcellular components

Image Quality Control: Automated check for imaging artifacts

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

SVI - Huygens Software

Danielle Mijnheer, Jasper van der Rijst

On Stand Workshop - Stand 2

Irrespective of whether your microscope image content is from biological or bead origin, Huygens brand-new Quality Control tool measures and reports the image quality with one click of a button.

Acquisition issues such as: under-sampling, clipping, bleaching, crosstalk, chromatic aberration, drift, and hot and cold pixels are measured within seconds, and help is offered to understand and fix these issues. During this workshop session, we will demonstrate this new Quality Control tool and show also how easy it is to correct the reported acquisition problems with the subsequent Huygens restoration options. Using the QC tool, your image data will be of higher quality, offering improved visualization and more reliable and unbiased analysis.

Application driven microscopy - Combining the SPARQ HiLo illuminator with the 'openFrame' platform for innovative, compact and cost-effective optical sectioning

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Cairn Research Ltd

Jeremy Graham

On Stand Workshop - Stand 5

The 'openFrame' modular microscope platform enables stable microscopes to be designed and built to solve specialist applications, without compromise.  We will demonstrate a simple and compact implementation to showcase the sectioning capabilities of the Bliq Photonics SPARQ combined with an affordable laser combiner and sensitive CMOS camera. 

Based on patented HiLo technology, SPARQ rapidly removes out-of-focus elements using two differently illuminated images that are mathematically processed. SPARQ leverages the structure inherent in the speckle that naturally occurs when illuminating with coherent light to achieve high quality structured illumination to enhance resolution and optical sectioning. 

Borne of a collaboration between Cairn Research and the Photonics group at Imperial College London, the core 'openFrame' is a sustainable extensible, easily-maintained, open-source microscope platform.  In addition to manufacturing open source components, Cairn Research Ltd and Cairn GmbH have designed proprietary modules to further enhance the eco-system.

This workshop will provide you with an opportunity to:   

• listen to a short presentation introducing the openFrame platform and the SPARQ HiLo illuminator  
• see the system in action running a variety of different test samples at different magnifications showcasing the new MicroManager SPARQ Plugin 
• image your own samples and question our team about your specific imaging requirements 

Correlative multimodal bioimaging: an holistic approach to investigate biological samples

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

CrestOptics SpA

Luca Clario, Francesco Bacchi

On Stand Workshop - Stand 8

Correlative multimodal bioimaging is the convergence point of technologies with different performances in terms of statistical sampling, number of simultaneously analyzed signals, temporal and spatial resolution. It combines the strengths of different imaging approaches to overcome the limitations of individual techniques and provides a more holistic understanding of the sample under investigation. Super resolution microscopy, such Structured Illumination Microscopy (SIM) and molecular localization-based approaches, provide a spatial resolution and a molecular localization precision able to explore the scale of macromolecular complexes in situ. However, its use is limited to restricted regions, and consequently few cells, and frequently no more than one or two parameters. Spinning Disk Confocal is a high-speed, high-sensitivity method to reject out-of-focus light in thick and large specimens: this makes it a very common choice for studying 3D structure of tissue sections, fast dynamic processes, and long-term time-lapse of live samples. This workshop shows a correlative multimodal microscopy approach that exploits the major advantages of Spinning Disk Confocal and SIM technologies to get the most out of a whole set of biological samples from different spatial scales. Data is collected separately using each modality, and the integration between the datasets is established post-acquisition through computational or analytical techniques to enable a more holistic understanding of the sample. Possible implementation of such techniques into an automated acquisition and analysis pipeline is discussed.

Leveraging advanced image analysis using Amira Software AI capabilities for optical image segmentation

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Sarwuth Wantha

On Stand Workshop - Stand 35

It is important for scientists and imaging experts to understand complex biological structures through image visualization and analysis. Imaging data can be a great tool in understanding cellular architecture and processes, however, analyzing data from multi-imaging systems and modalities can be a daunting task. Each experimental setup presents a unique challenge, and multi-scale dynamic processes require the detection of objects of various sizes, from diffraction-limited particles to entire cells. Identifying and quantifying sub-cellular structures within datasets containing anywhere from a few dozen to tens of thousands of objects, can seem overwhelming.

According to the need for analytical tools that grows significantly, researchers require image processing software that allows for fast, high-quality visualization, effective processing, and accurate data analysis to expedite their workflow.

Thermo Scientific Amira Software is a powerful comprehensive, and versatile software solution for visualizing, segmentation and understanding life science and biomedical images in such a complex biological data in 3D that would be impossible to see with 2D images alone.

Amira Software can help researchers gain an understanding deeper of image data. With its easy-to-use interface and comprehensive tools, user can streamline a workflow and spend more time doing what is best - advancing the field of optical imaging. The “visual programming” workflow is intuitive, flexible, and customizable to achieve accurate results.

Furthering its segmentation capabilities, Amira Software now includes artificial intelligence capabilities for imaging and analysis applications. These AI methods, such as deep learning, have proven to be powerful approaches for improving resolution, reducing noise, and automating segmentation. The use of AI-based Deep Learning is a major leap forward for Amira Software solutions. Our approach also guarantees that your analysis is repeatable across specimens. That means future image segmentation can be independent from manual processing or user-based variability often seen in manual annotation tasks.

During this workshop, you will learn how to:

• Accelerate subcellular detection and segmentation from imaging data using a range of readily available tools with automation and batch processing capabilities.
• Extract complex information in 3D using newly introduced segmentation tools.
• Get faster information from image data with Deep Learning Denoising tool and build recipes more quickly and easily.
• Segmentation+ workroom is now ready to accelerate your interactive segmentation of even very large datasets.
• Elevate your convex object segmentation with StarDist’s precision and efficiency.
• Access the Xtras library directly from Amira Software applications.

Regenerative medicine and Cell therapy: Maturing your knowledge with Livecyte

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Phasefocus

Peter Djali, Meetal Jotangia, Jessica Rickman

On Stand Workshop - Stand 38

Cell therapy and regenerative medicine is fast becoming a critical area of research; cellular immunotherapies are already proving successful in the fight against cancer and there are a host of approved cellular regenerative therapies with >4000 ongoing clinical trials worldwide.

In vitro studies are key to developing effective cellular treatments, commonly using stems cells or progenitor cells as a starting point with various differentiation methods to incite specific lineages. Being able to investigate the specific subpopulation phenotypes without causing harm to cells is of utmost importance and equally important from early-stage discovery to clinic. 

In this workshop you’ll learn how, through Livecyte’s Analyse software, you can isolate sub-populations within a heterogenous population based on both fluorescence and non-fluorescent based mechanisms. Navigate through Livecyte’s dashboards on a variety of cell characteristics ranging from morphology, motility to proliferation and growth to create and compare a full phenotypic profile of each sub-population and gain in-depth insights into differentiation of your cells.

Furthermore, we will show how to explore the function of your cells within an in vitro model of tissue repair with Livecyte’s wound healing assay platform. Become proficient in quantifying not only how quickly a scratch wound is closing, but why: for example, Livecyte’s single cell segmentation and tracking differentiates between cells migrating quicker or with more directionality. Its Wound Healing dashboard gives you a robust and reliable wound closure profile overcoming the limitations of classic scratch wound metrics and confluence-based approaches and ultimately adding an extra dimension when investigating collective migration, an inherent part of tissue repair and wound healing.

Imaging workflows in OMERO

15:40 – 16:40 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

OME

Petr Walczysko

Lecture Theatre, Room 3

The Open Microscopy Environment (OME) is an open-source software project that develops tools that enable access, analysis, visualization, sharing and publication of biological image data. OME supports more than 150 image data formats across many imaging modalities including fluorescence microscopy, high-content screening, whole-slide imaging and biomedical imaging.

OMERO, a software developed by OME, is an open source, enterprise software platform for image data management and analysis. OMERO is used in 1000s of institutions worldwide managing, sharing, analysing and publishing imaging datasets.

This workshop will cover all of the main functions of OMERO. We will explain the import to OMERO and then demonstrate  organisation, viewing, searching, annotation and publishing of images using OMERO. After we cover the basics of OMERO, we will shortly explain the principles of how 3rd party image analysis packages work with OMERO. This will enable the participants to understand the manual data processing and automated processing workflows using a range of open source applications running alongside OMERO, such as ImageJ/Fiji or CellPose.

This workshop is designed for researchers at all levels who work with data from digital microscopes or other imaging systems. The workshop includes a presentation and hands-on session. Prior knowledge in microscopy, scripting and data analysis is not required.

Bringing your own laptop is strongly encouraged, but it is also possible to follow the workshop as a demonstration only.

Any student / researcher dealing with scientific images is more than welcome to join this workshop.

Enhancing Imaging Core Facility Efficiency- Introducing the Evident Scientific VS200 Slide Scanner

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Evident

Maria Prusicki

Workshop Room 4A

Imaging Core Facilities (ICFs) are vital hubs in research institutions, facing a wide range of applications and samples requiring imaging on tight timelines. Addressing these needs, we introduce the Evident Scientific VS200 SLIDEVIEW slide scanner, designed to support ICF challenges. 

VS200 offers a comprehensive solution by incorporating five observation methods (Brightfield, Darkfield, Polarization, Phase Contrast, and Fluorescence) and the newly added SILA module, for optical sectioning of thick samples with up to 6 fluorescent staining. 

Its standout feature is its upgradeability to multi-tray loading alongside to optional immersion oil objectives. With a user-friendly interface, it offers quick and expert modes for efficient and simplified operation without sacrificing the complexity of imaging set up that is required by challenging biological samples. The entire image acquisition process, from sample detection to focus search and direct image saving or uploading to the NISSQL database, can be automated. Additionally, a variety of scanning projects can be executed in a single batch scan, enabling each user to save their images in individual folders with distinct user access levels.  Supporting multiple data formats and integrating Evident TruAI for deep-learning driven analysis, the VS200 empowers researchers to efficiently achieve high-quality imaging and driving scientific innovation.

Dragonfly 600: From single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) to large sample imaging

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Oxford Instruments Andor

Claudia Florindo, Aishwarya Sivakumar

Workshop Room 4B

The Dragonfly 600 is a high-speed confocal imaging platform that delivers matchless imaging capabilities across scales from nanometres to centimetres. The new features included are:

1. Andor's proprietary B-TIRF imaging modality, which delivers highly uniform TIRF imaging, is exceptionally easy to setup due to the optical feedback, and offers flexibility in its range to also image in HiLo;
2. A newly developed high-power laser engine (HLE) for super-resolution techniques and higher throughput imaging; and
3. The 3D super-resolution module combined with all imaging modalities (widefield, confocal and B-TIRF). 

The Dragonfly spinning disk confocal is a complete multimodal system with outstanding versatility and exceptional performance in any scale, either Single-molecule imaging applications (SMLM), thick samples and live cell imaging.

In this workshop, we will present the Dragonfly 600, and the attendees will be able to see its key features live, such as: 

1. SMLM paint imaging with Dragonfly 600 using DNA-PAINT samples.
2. B-TIRF imaging and its easy setup with the optical feedback
3. Imaging with confocal mode into deep thick samples while visualizing in 3D the imaging result.

Join us to understand how Dragonfly 600 can boost your research. 

Figure legend:  Dragonfly allows correlative/cross scale microscopy. a) image of 3 cell nuclei in which the nuclear pores were transiently labelled for NUP96 (nuclear pore protein). b) The same data set, zoomed a section in a) to show DNA-PAINT resolution of <20 nm, revealing the 8-fold symmetry of the nuclear pore complex c) DNA-origami 3x4 grid with ~20 nm Cy3B fluorophore separation, imaged with a similar B-TIRF protocol shows resolution <10 nm.

Performing ISM-FLIM with Luminosa`s PDA-23 detection add-on

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

PicoQuant

Evanglos Sisamakis, Fabio Barachati, Max Tillmann, Johan Hummert, Marcelle Koenig, Maria Loidolt-Krueger, Ellen Schmeyer, Matthias Patting, Marcus Sackrow, Felix Koberling, Rainer Erdmann

Workshop Room 5

(Product presentation not a live Demo)

Recently, high-performance SPAD-arrays featuring few tens of pixels have become available. Combining these with suitable multi-channel TCSPC-devices enables time-resolved Image Scanning Microscopy (ISM). ISM enhances the spatial resolution and increases image contrast compared to standard confocal imaging. FLIM can provide additional functional information as well as extended marker multiplexing using lifetime contrast. So both technologies complement each other.

ISM produces images with a higher signal-to-noise ratio because no light is lost at a pinhole. Coupled with the high sensitivity of the SPAD array, this enables either image acquisition at a very high speed or very gentle live cell imaging with low excitation laser power.

Two simultaneous system demos: all-new AxL Cleared Tissue LightSheet (ASLM for ultrafast imaging of cleared specimens) and Marianas with Vector3 (spinning TIRF and photomanipulation)

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

3i - Intelligent Imaging Innovations

Benjamin Atkinson

Workshop Room 6

AxL Cleared Tissue LightSheet - Axially Swept Light Sheet Microscopy System for Ultrafast Imaging of Cleared Specimens

AxL Cleared Tissue LightSheet (AxL CTLS) is a fully automated macro zoom microscope with high NA apochromatic objectives and dual-sided light sheet illumination for imaging whole organs to small animals. Custom-designed excitation objectives and patented axially swept light sheet microscopy (ASLM) produce an exceptionally thin, long and uniform lightsheet for large-scale high-resolution imaging. ASLM scans the light sheet in its propagation direction using high-speed remote focusing synchronized to the rolling shutter readout of an sCMOS camera at the size of the beam waist. This approach creates an exceptionally thin light sheet across a large field of view resulting in images with improved optical sectioning and signal-to-noise. This scanned sheet features a constant laser intensity across the field of view for an evenly illuminated image. The 0.14NA excitation objective creates a 2μm thin waist for superior axial resolution. AxL CTLS is designed to operate optimally across a range of 1.33 to 1.56 refractive indices ensuring compatibility across all available clearing methods. The large field of view of AxL CTLS enables ultrafast imaging of whole organs to small animals. An entire mouse can be prescanned in less than 60 seconds, imaged in 20 minutes and high resolution ASLM scanned in 9 hours revealing neuronal connectivity.

Vector3 - Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence (TIRF) and Photomanipulation Module

Vector3 is a motorized, spinning TIRF illuminator with three key imaging modalities: TIRF, photomanipulation and widefield epifluorescence. Intelligent beam steering and optical design allow for all three imaging modes to be combined in one compact device. Vector3 offers an expansive TIRF field of view (FN20) designed for modern sCMOS cameras. Spinning the excitation beam around the back aperture of the imaging objective creates an even TIRF field without shadows or polarization artifacts. A motorized scan lens corrects for sample height variation and ensures ideal TIRF illumination and photomanipulation spot size across the visible spectrum. An easy-to-use user interface in SlideBook allows users to optimize the excitation angle between TIRF and HILO for imaging thicker samples. Photobleaching, photoconversion, and photoablation events of user-drawn ROIs are easily scripted into image acquisition. In this workshop, we will highlight the large field of view and ease-of-use of Vector3 for TIRF and photomanipulation experiments.

Reliable 2D and Ultimate 3D SMLM cell imaging demonstrated on Abbelight’s SAFe imaging platform

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Abbelight

Caterina Severi

Workshop Room 7

Biological imaging has successfully pierced the nanoscale in the recent years. Resolving the intricate interaction of multiple targets in a system, naturally represents the next step in the evolution of fluorescence nanoscopy. Among nanoscopy methods, Single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) gives the best 3D spatial resolution and can offer inherently the largest FOV because of its origin from standard widefield imaging.

Several years ago, Abbelight co-developped with the group of Dr. Sandrine Lévêque-Fort, a new method of large uniform illumination called Adaptable Scanning for Tunable Excitation Regions (ASTER)1. Thanks to ASTER, which is integrated into the Abbelight SAFe imaging platform, it is now possible to acquire 150 x 150 µm² SMLM images, with nanoscopic resolution which is homogeneous across the whole FOV. 

Two dimensional SMLM images are now straightforward to acquire. However, biological samples are three dimensional. Therefore, Abbelight SAFe imaging platform has developed and integrated the ultimate 3D method with different 3D super-localization strategies to get the best XYZ spatial resolution.

With this workshop, we would like to demonstrate the versatility of our SAFe imaging platform in acquiring large FOV 3D SMLM images. We will image several type of samples: COS7 cells, hippocampal rat neurons and others. 
 
Schedule

15 min Introduction: SMLM, ASTER and 3D Strategies integrated into Abbelight setup (Presentation) 
15 min  Acquisition a large FOV 2D SMLM imaging  
15 min Acquisition of Ultimate 3D SMLM images
15 min  Summary of the workshop & Questions

1 A. Mau et al, Fast widefield scan provides tunable and uniform illumination optimizing super-resolution microscopy on large fields, Nat. Communication, 2021
 

Figure 1 a ASTER STORM imaging of COS-7 cells labeled for microtubules and an AF647-coupled secondary antibody, FOV size 200 µm × 200 µm, 20,000 frames at 20 fps. Extracted from [1]

 Figure 2 : 3D Large FOV SMLM Images (Z color coded, 1 um imaging depth)

Everything Extra-Cellular Vesicles! – Harness the power of ONi super-resolution expertise to characterise your EV’s with ease

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

ONI

Franky Djutanta, Pip Timmins

Workshop Room 8

The Nanoimager is a compact and state-of-the-art microscope, offering quantitative analysis for localization-based imaging (dSTORM and PALM), single-particle tracking and single-molecule FRET.

The Nanoimager is designed to operate on a standard lab bench and has a footprint smaller than a piece of A4 paper, making it more accessible to researchers.

Exosomes and other extracellular vesicles (EVs) play key roles in cell-to-cell communication. EVs can cross biological barriers (such as the blood-brain barrier) and get internalized into the cell with a high degree of specificity. Thus, they are an ideal candidate for novel drug delivery methods and disease diagnostics. This workshop focuses on recent progress in fluorescent super-resolution imaging and characterization of extracellular vesicles using the Nanoimager and our new range of reagent kits, automated data acquisition and software tools.

This workshop is intended for people working with EV’s, exosomes, lipid nanoparticles or with interest in related fields.

Workshop attendees will receive a 10% discount voucher to be redeemed against the purchase of an EV Profiler Kit.

Cell-friendly profound 3D super resolution confocal imaging with Point REscan GAIA

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Confocal.nl B.V

Janine Cravo, Dušan Popov-Čeleketić

Workshop Room 10

KEYWORDS: super resolution, confocal imaging, live cell imaging, deep imaging, REscan  

One of the main goals of advanced optical microscopy is the development of systems enabling real-time live cell super resolution imaging. The most severe limitation towards this is the extreme phototoxicity of such systems. To tackle this and achieve cell-friendly super resolution imaging, Confocal.nl developed GAIA, the latest generation of the Point REscan confocal technology. This disruptive technology enables super resolution imaging in extremely cell friendly conditions. In addition, GAIA allows deep imaging beyond the diffraction limit while using ultra-low laser power. 

GAIA is equipped with a switchable pinhole that allows enhanced flexibility, sensitivity, and optimal confocality. By Nyquisting every objective and enabling fast multicolour imaging over a large field of view (FOV), GAIA establishes itself as the most light-efficient super resolution confocal system on the market. GAIA is optimized for both VIS and NIR imaging as well as for super resolution with both high and low magnification objectives. 

GAIA is an easy to use add-on to any widefield microscope. As it is uniquely capable to image beyond the diffraction limit using low magnification objectives and, consequently, to image live samples deeper than 500 µm while sustaining their viability over extended periods. As imaging up to 100 µm is considered deep in confocal and super resolution microscopy, we termed super resolution confocal imaging deeper than 500 µm as profound. 

Dynamics in Life: Analyse large 4D datasets seamlessly with ZEISS arivis Cloud

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Carl Zeiss Microscopy

Daniel Hansen, Alan Kidger

Workshop Room 11A

Understanding dynamic behaviour is vital to gaining insights into biological processes. Across all scales, dynamics provide a crucial insight, from movement of organisms, organs or cells, developmental changes in organisms or tissues to cell-cell interactions and intracellular molecular behaviour which one often cannot observe due to phototoxicity, slow acquisitions or too complicated software. ZEISS offers a wide range of systems & software to observe & analyse samples with minimal light exposure at high speed down to molecular resolution. 

Get ready to dive into the exciting world of light sheet microscopy and image analysis with ZEISS! Join us for an upcoming workshop where we'll demonstrate the incredible power of Deep Learning (DL) in segmenting light sheet image data.

In the field of microscopy, image segmentation is a crucial step in image analysis, and traditional methods can be time-consuming and require manual intervention. But with deep learning, we can simplify and automate the segmentation process, making it faster, more efficient than ever before and allow you to do research that was previously not possible!

During this workshop, we'll explore a fascinating case study of C. elegans embryo development, where researchers leveraged the superior performance of ZEISS arivis Cloud platform to develop DL networks that could be executed in the true 3D environment of ZEISS arivis Pro. This allowed them to segment and track cell division in a C. elegans embryo during the very early stages of development.

After the workshop, participants will be able to experience the analysed data in VR, providing a unique and immersive perspective on their research. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn how to efficiently reach results from your acquired images and experience the power of ZEISS image analysis solutions.

TauSTED Xtend – New tools for gentle live imaging at remarkable nanoscale

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Leica Microsystems

Ulf Schwarz, Luis Alvarez, Julia Roberti, Frank Hecht

Workshop Room 11C

The goal of scientific research is to understand the workings of nature. Given the complex interplay of biomolecules, molecular machines, and higher-order cellular structures, confocal imaging emerged as a fundamental tool owing to the optical sectioning, sensitivity, and the temporal and spatial resolution capabilities.

Imaging intricate cellular structures at nanoscale resolution while characterizing the dynamics of multiple species in the context of live specimens are emerging avenues followed to shed light on biological processes. With the advent of STED (Stimulated Emission Depletion), researchers have realized the visualization of intracellular structures at the nanoscale, unveiling insights into cellular behavior, interactions, and function.

In this workshop, we will demonstrate how our innovative TauSTED Xtend enables gentle imaging of live and fixed samples at the nanoscale. We will show how advances in our TauSTED¹ approach to optical nanoscopy deliver cutting-edge resolution and image quality at low light dose, key to accessing fast nanoscale dynamics of cellular processes. We will also show how fluorescence lifetime information can be used for multiplex imaging of different markers, keeping the nanoscopic resolution.

Reference 

1. L. A. J. Alvarez, U. Schwarz, L. Friedrich, J. Fölling, F. Hecht, and M. J. Roberti (2020). Pushing STED beyond its limits with TauSTED. Nat Methods. Doi: d42473-021-00241-0 

Super-resolution imaging has never been so easy

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Nikon Europe BV

Lisa Sanchez, Philipp Struntz

Workshop Room 13

Previously Nikon introduced the X-light V3 Spinning Disk coupled to DeepSIM System from CrestOptics. This year, understanding the increasing need for higher resolution imaging, we would like to introduce the stand-alone super-resolution modality DeepSIM. DeepSIM stand-alone is simple yet effective device delivering twice the resolution of widefield. This modality brings lattice SIM performance (light efficiency, high contrast, penetration depth) with an incredible ease of use. Incredibly compact, the DeepSIM is so far the only SIM device which can be coupled to an upright microscope.   

Advanced optical design and engineering solutions developed by both Nikon and CrestOptics meet very high-end specifications required by most facilities and users. 

• Enhanced resolution: down to 100 nm (XY) / 300 nm (Z) to observe finer details
• Do not be limited to thin samples with resolution improvement in depth (up to ~ 100 µm)
• Sample and experiment flexibility: 3 standard lattice patterns to match sample conditions (thickness, label density, dynamics) and compatible with low and high magnification objectives (from 20X up to 100X).
• User-friendly Nikon integration: easy calibration, reconstruction in one click, no complex settings, no expertise required
• Standard sample preparation: same as for confocal imaging 
• Compact module suitable for Nikon inverted and upright configurations
• Compatible with the same high NA objective line up as for confocal microscopy and works wonders with our Nikon silicon & water immersion, and get accurate 3D data
• Super-Resolution modality combined to Nikon’s exceptionally stable microscope set-up allows for: 
  • Wide variety of application ranging from live cell imaging, high-throughput imaging and depth imaging (up to ~ 100 µm)
  • Cover simple to complex imaging workflows thanks to Nikon’s Software platform NIS-Elements

Cleared mouse intestine section (0.55 mm thickness) with blood vessels in green and nuclei in red. Objective: 20X Air CFI Plan Apo Lambda, Nikon, 0.75 NA and 1mm WD.

Expanding SMLM to the third dimension with the Bruker Vutara VXL System

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Bruker

Corentin Rousset

Workshop Room 14

Have you ever considered the possibility of conducting SMLM experiments on biologically relevant structures nestled deep within tissue slices or other thick samples? Perhaps you’ve encountered limitations in your experiments due to the restricted penetration depth of your SMLM system or the absence of robust 3D-detection capabilities?

Bruker has the solution for you: The Vutara VXL system is breaking free from the constraints of limited penetration depth and PSF-engineering-based 3D-detection in SMLM.

Image wherever in the sample and perform spatially- and probe-multiplexed experiments. Superior system stability allows you to run experiments for serval days, which is crucial under highly multiplexed conditions.

Join the workshop and experience how the Bruker Vutara VXL system is expanding SMLM into the third dimension and beyond.

Light sheet microscopy goes LightSpeed: a new era in 3D imaging with UltraMicroscope Blaze™

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Miltenyi Biotec

Guruchandar Arulmozhivarman¹, Jak Grimes², Christine Ahlert¹

¹Miltenyi Biotec, Germany. ²Miltenyi Biotec, United Kingdom

Workshop Room 17

Visualizing the three-dimensional architecture of complex and large organisms has traditionally been a time-intensive task, often requiring several hours to days. In order to make the process easier, Miltenyi Biotec offers comprehensive solutions aimed at streamlining the process and providing a hassle-free 3D imaging workflow. Our workshop therefore invites you to explore the next era of 3D imaging, where we will showcase live demonstrations of our innovative techniques.

Join us as we guide you through the entire 3D imaging process, highlighting our latest advancements, including LightSpeed mode, which boosts imaging speed by up to 60 times, and the MACS iQ View – 3D Large Volume package. Through these demonstrations, you will experience firsthand how our cutting-edge light sheet system, the UltraMicroscope Blaze, seamlessly integrates into your research workflow, providing scalability and efficiency like never before. Additionally, we will delve into our 3D/2D workflow that combines 3D data with high-plex imaging, offering a comprehensive approach to your research needs.

The MPX microscope: A turn-key and versatile multimodal multiphoton platform with a 360-frontend and fully integrated fs laser

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Photon Lines Ltd

Andy Hill¹, Martyn Reynolds¹, Lukas Krainer²

¹Photon Lines Ltd, United Kingdom. ²Prospective Instruments, Austria

Workshop Room 18

The experimental requirements for different imaging scenarios demand different sample mounting arrangements and flexible microscope setups are needed to meet this demand. 

The MPX multimodal multiphoton microscope from Prospective Instruments with its two-photon integrated wavelength tunable fs laser and its built-in epi widefield fluorescence modality covers a wide range of different imaging needs. Its easy-to-use and flexible design provides for a large working space underneath the 360-frontend enabling microscopy from any angle, positioning and direction (upright or inverted). Multimodal imaging including two-photon (TPEF), higher harmonics (SHG/THG), Coherent anti-Stokes Raman Scattering and Stimulated Raman scattering (CARS/SRS), Fluorescence lifetime (FLIM) and epi-widefield fluorescence gains orthogonal data sets and addresses a broad range of requirements from different samples. Non-linear imaging techniques like TPEF or SHG/THG enable deep tissue penetration and the multi-channel approach allows multiplexing to distinguish between different imaging modalities that can be recorded simultaneously. Thus, a broad range of key uses in life science research including 3D imaging, label-free, deep tissue, in-vivo and intravital live-animal, whole organ, and whole slide imaging can be accommodated.

abberior STED Workshop: Gentle long-time STED microscopy

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Abberior Instruments

Julia Menzel¹, Steffen Restel¹, Florian Grimm², Bastian Klußmann-Fricke¹, Jan-Gero Schlötel¹, Dennis Uhlenkamp¹, Martin Meschkat¹, Christian A. Wurm^1,2

¹Abberior Instruments, Germany. ²Abberior, Germany

Workshop Room 19

Super-resolution imaging techniques like STimulated Emission Depletion (STED) allow visualization of the small size of most subcellular organelles, structures, and dynamic interactions, which is essential for many research questions [1,2]. Technical developments like improved organic dyes or pulsed lasers were already able to reduce the required light dose on the sample. Nevertheless, most sample benefit from minimal laser light exposure while maintaining maximal resolution and signal intensity.

Breakthroughs in this respect are imaging techniques like Flexposure, also known as “Adaptive Illumination”. Flexposure is based on the principal of only illuminating places in the sample where light can make a positive contribution to the image [3]. Instead of illuminating every pixel with the STED laser, the illumination is adapted dynamically in a pixel-by-pixel fashion to the structure of the sample. Therefore, only positions emitting signal are illuminated with STED light, reducing the applied light dose significantly and improving imaging of sensitive samples (Fig 1A).

Beside the intensity of a fluorophore also the fluorescence lifetime can be measured to receive information about the fluorophore’s environment such as ion concentration or pH. In STED microscopy, fluorescence lifetime information is particularly beneficial, as it can be additionally harnessed to increase resolution - especially when imaging at reduced STED laser power to protect sensitive samples (Fig. 1B)

Beside imaging techniques, new developments in organic dyes provide further improvements for long term imaging in super-resolution. Exchangeable fluorescent probes bind to genetically encoded self-labelling protein tags with high affinity but can exchange regularly [4]. Therefore, the fluorophore is exchanged on a regular basis which can prolong imaging time (Fig. 1C).

In this workshop, participants will learn how sensitive samples benefit from optimized dye and imaging techniques. We will demonstrate on the abberior FACILITY LINE how STED imaging techniques like FLEXPOSURE and TIMEBOW are used for gentle imaging with reduced applied light dose to allow long-time imaging.

Figure 1A. Long-time imaging with FLEXPOSURE. Consecutive STED images of nuclear pore complexes imaged with and without Flexposure.
B. MATRIX STED and lifetime imaging. Differentiated Caco-2 cells were stained for Actin with Star Red (provided by D.Günzel, Charité Berlin, Germany).
C. Gentle STED multi-color LIVE Cell Imaging. Mammalian cells express a Halo-X fusion protein in the outer mitochondrial membrane visualized with Abberior LIVE 590 Halo-X (magenta) and actin stained with SiR actin (green).

References
[1] Hell, S.W., Wichmann, J., 1994. Breaking the diffraction resolution limit by stimulated emission: stimulated-emission-depletion fluorescence microscopy. Opt. Lett. 19, 780
[2] Saal, S.J., Hell, S.W., Jakobs, S., 2017. Fluorescence nanoscopy in cell biology. Nat Rev. 18
[3] Heine, J., Reuss, M., Harke B., Hell, S.W., 2017. Adaptive-illumination STED nanoscopy. PNAS 114 (37)
[4] Kompa, J., Bruins, J., Glogger M., Wilhelm, J., Frei, M.S., Tarnawski, M., D’Este, E., Heilemann, M., Johnsson, K., 2023. Exchangeable HaloTag Ligands for Super-Resolution Fluorescence Microscopy. J. Am. Chem. Soc 145, 5

Ultra-large field of view super-resolution microscopy

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Chip NanoImaging

Merete Storflor, Øystein Helle, Jon Kristian Hagene

Workshop Room 20

The diversity of your biological processes can be captured with chip-based TIRF microscopy. Chip NanoImaging provides precise optical sectioning over an ultra-large field of view. The imaging platform allows for both live- and fixed- cell imaging. Using multimode waveguide technology, a well-defined and homogeneous TIRF illumination can be generated. This is particularly well-suited for exploring membrane dynamics and drug-interactions.  

Chip NanoImaging provides a complete microscope system with both TIRF and EPI illumination. It also comes with a software package that enables contrast enhancement for both 2D (TIRF), and 3D (EPI) imaging. During the workshop, we will demonstrate that the ultra-large field of view chip-based TIRF is ideal for both diffraction limited as well as super-resolution microscopy using single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM). We will also demonstrate how the large SMLM datasets are efficiently reconstructed with user-friendly GPU-accelerated post-processing software.

Holotomography and its X-tra way of doing label-free imaging

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Tomocube

Daniel Ghete

Workshop Room 21

Holotomography (HT), also known as 3D quantitative phase imaging, is a cutting-edge technique that captures the subcellular details of living cells in 3D and in real-time. Overcoming the limitations caused by phototoxicity and photobleaching in fluorescence-based imaging techniques, HT offers a powerful research tool with transformative capabilities for exploring diverse biological phenomena.

Our workshop aims to introduce the fundamental principles and diverse applications of our latest HT system - the HT-X1. This innovative platform enables the acquisition of high-resolution images for a wide array of biological specimens, including cells, microorganisms, organoids, and tissue samples.

Experience firsthand demonstrations featuring a range of samples and vessel types in our workshop. Furthermore, we will also introduce the enhanced functionalities of the newly launched analysis software, TomoAnalysis, for cellular segmentation and quantification.

Features

• Label-free 3D live cell imaging of monolayered cells and 3D organoids
• Correlative fluorescence imaging for comprehensive biomolecular specificity insights
• Built-in incubator that provides a stable cell culture environment
• Multi-well plate compatibility for high-throughput experiments
• Quantitative measurement and analysis of cells and subcellular components

Advancing quantitative analysis with batch object analysis and AI based segmentation

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

SVI - Huygens Software

Danielle Mijnheer, Jasper van der Rijst

On Stand Workshop - Stand 2

Designing a complete 3D restoration and analysis pipelines, and applying this in batch mode, is a challenge that can be easily addressed with Huygens Object Analyzer and Workflow Processor. Massive image processing with such pipelines can also be executed using Huygens new Command Line interface in combination with node/job management software. Recent additions to the Object Analyzer involves segmentation tailored towards your research with options to upload label images from AI-based tools like Cellpose and Stardist. Together with Huygens renowned deconvolution and restoration options, the Workfow Processor streamlines the whole process from image acquisition to producing true quantitative data.

During this workshop session we show how to combine image restoration with object analysis within pipelines, and how to apply AI-based segmentation in Huygens. We will also present a short overview of all other new features in Huygens.

‘SmartSPIM Light Sheet’ – Rapid volumetric imaging of whole cleared samples using axial sweeping technology.

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Cairn Research Ltd

Andrew Allan

On Stand Workshop - Stand 5

The SmartSPIM light sheet is designed for speed, resolution and flexibility. A microscope that can adapt and evolve to push the boundaries of scientific research. Utilising patented axial sweeping technology near-isotropic resolution images can be acquired at high speed. A large sample chamber accommodates multiple whole samples and tissue types for sequential imaging using the intuitive software interface.

This workshop will provide you with an opportunity to:   

• listen to a short presentation about the SmartSPIM light sheet and its utility for imaging a range of different samples, from single organoids to a whole newborn mouse. 
• learn how samples are mounted within the SmartSPIM
• see how to quickly and easily setup a volumetric tile scan of a cleared sample 

From cells to organs with spinning disk confocal and SIM super-resolution imaging across scales

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

CrestOptics SpA

Luca Clario, Francesco Bacchi

On Stand Workshop - Stand 8

The aspiration of many microscopy facilities to provide a versatile tool that can deliver robust, straightforward, and rapid solutions to a diverse user needs often seems like an elusive dream. The CrestOptics X-light V3 DeepSIM platform represents a significant leap towards realizing this ambition. Designed to meet the demanding requirements from high magnification fast gentle multicolor live cell imaging imaging to massive 3D volumentric imaging this platform transcends the limitations of traditional point scanner confocal and super-resolution microscopy, which are hindered by slow acquisition times and inadequate depth penetration in complex samples. In this workshop, we will explore the capabilities and applications of the spinning disk and SIM super-resolution imaging technologies in the context of cutting-edge 3D biological research of organoids, spheroids, and organ-on-a-chip models. Participants will learn how these combined technologies overcomes the limitations of traditional imaging methods, providing unpeer results across scales a for the investigation of complex biological systems. By enhancing the accessibility and quality of 3D imaging, CrestOptics empowers researchers to delve deeper into the mysteries of life, from cellular intricacies to organ-level dynamics.

Proliferate, Invade, Metastasise: Understanding the cancer cell journey with Livecyte

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

Phasefocus

Peter Djali, Meetal Jotangia, Jessica Rickman

On Stand Workshop - Stand 38

‘Why is there no correlation between my in vitro and in vivo data?’ is a major question asked by cancer researchers. Investigating the mechanism of potential cancer therapies usually relies on the use of fluorescence markers and relatively high light levels which can ultimately perturb the natural function of cells. A solution is Livecyte; its label-free technique can reliably measure cell behaviour, identify mitotic cells and changes in the cell cycle without causing toxicity effects, thereby providing a more physiologically relevant assay model.

We’ll present how Livecyte’s single cell tracking and segmentation is perfect for investigating cancer candidate compounds.  We’ll give an overview of how our analysis gives not only dynamic population information on the phenotypic changes characteristic of tumour behaviour but also delves down to the single cell level.  We’ll show you how you can acquire multi-generational lineage data, magnifying changes in the cell cycle, particularly outlier cells which may show traces of drug resistance.

Through this workshop you can learn how Livecyte’s well designed dashboards tell you more about pharmacological effects on cancer cell division, invasion and metastasis by tracking your cancer cell behaviour such as proliferation, growth and motility.

With a deep dive using Livecytes explore results page you gain insight into cell cycle changes at a single cell level. Through changes in growth characteristics, such as individual cell dry mass, Livecyte is able to distinguish heterogeneity in cell division times in a seemingly homogenous population of cells. You can therefore distinguish how individual cells are responding to the drug and review a lineage tree comparing individual cells and their progeny over multiple generations.

Know, measure and monitor the performance of your fluorescence microscopes

17:10 – 18:10 BST, 6 June 2024 ‐ 1 hour

ARGOLIGHT

Arnaud ROYON

On Stand Workshop - Stand 41

One of the core facilities’ duties is to provide end-users, usually researchers in life sciences, a fleet of microscopes at a level of performance compatible with their experiments. This is not an easy task because microscopes intrinsically introduce biases in the images and because their performance tends to fluctuate or deteriorate over time for many reasons: misusing, aging, environment fluctuations, etc. This is especially true for high end imaging systems such as confocal or super-resolution microscopes.

To get quantitative and reproducible data, assessing the performance of fluorescence microscopes is a prerequisite before any imaging campaign, to know, measure and eventually correct the different biases they can introduce. For example, system co-registration accuracy should be evaluated before any co-localization study; System field uniformity and intensity response before any study where intensity in the image matters; Spatial resolution before any study aiming at counting objects close to each other, etc.

At the age of big data, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive models, it is essential to perform quality control and quality assurance at any step of a bio-imaging experiment: at the sample preparation level, at the imaging system level, and at the image analysis level, to extract the sought biological information. Feeding the image analysis algorithms with corrupted image data gives rise to the well-known adage: “garbage in, garbage out”.

The workshop aims to show how the quality control and quality assurance of fluorescence imaging systems can be performed and standardized with Argolight solutions, and how the generated quality data can be managed and centralized for later reporting.