MRC Microscopy Core Facility

The Microscopy Core Facility in the Mailman Research Center (MRC) at McLean Hospital is a shared user facility that supports basic scientific imaging research efforts both within, and external to the McLean research community. The Core offers access to a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), a state-of-the-art Laser Scanning confocal microscope, and an Olympus FVMPE-RS multiphoton system. The TEM (a JEOL 1200EX with acceleration voltages from 40-120 kV) is capable of magnification up to 500,000X, and spatial resolution as high as 0.34 nm. Our new confocal microscope is a Leica TCS-SP8 equipped with six laser excitation wavelengths (405/458/488/514/561/633 nm), a unique prism-based spectral dispersion system for maximizing image quality and contrast, and four detectors for simultaneous multicolor imaging of up to four immunofluorescent labels. The Olympus FVMPE-RS is a dedicated multiphoton system, designed for deep imaging in biological specimens, including in vivo imaging with high-speed scanning. It’s equipped with the 25X 1.05NA 2 mm working distance objective, two non-descanned detectors, and the Insight X3 laser, capable of tuning from 690-1300nm.

Personnel/Contact Information:

Director: Cristina Berciu
Phone: (617) 855-2798
Email: CBERCIU@MCLEAN.HARVARD.EDU

Facilities and Equipment:

Major Equipment: 

  • JEOL JEM1200EX Transmission Electron Microscope
  • Leica Laser Scanning Confocal Microscope TCS-SP8
  • Olympus FVMPE-RS multiphoton system

Services:

  • JEOL JEM1200EX Transmission Electron Microscopy Services:
    • Consultation on project and sample preparation
    • Sample preparation for TEM (fixation, infiltration and embedding in resin, sectioning and staining)
    • Image acquisition and interpretation


  • Leica TCS-SP8 Confocal Microscopy Services:
    • One-on-one training for using the confocal microscope.
    • Consultation/collaboration on sample preparation, experimental design, image analysis
    • Image acquisition


  • Olympus FVMPE-RS multiphoton system Services:
    • One-on-one training for using the multiphoton system
    • Consultation/collaboration on sample preparation, experimental design, image analysis
    • Image acquisition
  • Hourly Rates:
    • Electron Microscope:                                      $65.00 per hour (operated only by Core Facility Manager)
    • Confocal Microscope:                                     $55.00 per hour if operated by investigator, and $65 per hour if operated by Core Facility Manager
    • Multiphoton Microscope:                               $55.00 per hour if operated by investigator, and $65 per hour if operated by Core Facility Manager
    • Consultation with Core Facility Manager:   $65.00 per hour

      

JEOL JEM1200EX transmission electron microscope (TEM) can be used to examine the ultrastructure of the cells and tissues at a very high resolution (<1nm), and also to localize different proteins/structures of interest using immunoelectron microscopy.

Leica SP8-TCS laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) is a high sensitivity point scanning confocal that provides very-high-quality images with fine detail and more contrast than conventional microscopy. In addition, the imaging technique allows for reconstruction of virtual 3-dimensional (3-D) images (static or time lapse) of the tissue when multiple (optical) sections are combined. Having an encoded motorized stage allows reproducible positioning of sample and automated mosaic tiling for imaging large areas without sacrificing spatial resolution. Besides, its resonant scanner for low photo-toxicity makes it ideal for live cell imaging.

Olympus FVMPE-RS multiphoton microscope employs advanced technology and optical design to enhance sensitivity and resolution during deep imaging. Broad spectral transmission window efficiently delivers near-infrared excitation without compromising short wavelength detection. Large-area detection path collects more emission signal, especially large-angle scattered photons. TruResolution objectives offer automated spherical aberration compensation to increase brightness and resolution, revealing fine details at every plane within a deep image stack.                             


Location of Core:
Mailman Research Center, Ground Level, Rooms 029, 030 & 030A

Images:

https://researchcores.partners.org/data/wiki_pages/31/Leica_SP8CSLM.jpg

https://researchcores.partners.org/data/wiki_pages/31/Transmission_Electron_Microscopy_TEM_JEOL_1200EX.jpg

https://researchcores.partners.org/data/wiki_pages/31/3_D_rendering_of_rat_olfactory_biopsy_tissue_obtained_using_the_Leica_TCS_SP8_LSCM.png

https://researchcores.partners.org/data/wiki_pages/31/Electron_microscopy_image_of_the_rat_striated_muscle.jpg

https://researchcores.partners.org/data/wiki_pages/31/Electron_microscopy_image_of_the_rat_exocrine_pancreas.jpg

https://researchcores.partners.org/data/wiki_pages/31/Electron_microscopy_image_of_a_rat_endocrine_pancreatic_cell.jpg

https://researchcores.partners.org/data/wiki_pages/31/Electron_microscopy_image_of_a_rat_olfactory_mucosa.jpg

https://researchcores.partners.org/data/wiki_pages/31/Electron_microscopy_image_of_a_rat_kidney.jpg

https://researchcores.partners.org/data/wiki_pages/31/Electron_microscopy_image_of_the_rat_liver.jpg

Getting Started:

To access the core, please contact Cristina Berciu at 617-855-2798 or by email at CBERCIU@MCLEAN.HARVARD.EDU