Exciting Upgrades at the Microverse Imaging Center

AxioObserver with Apotome and with the new stage-top incubator (Photo: Aurelie Jost)

The Cluster of Excellence “Balance of the Microverse” is delighted to announce a series of significant upgrades and new capabilities at the Microverse Imaging Center. These improvements aim to elevate the quality, efficiency, and versatility of imaging experiments, supporting cutting-edge research across the cluster.

Apotome Upgrade for the AxioObserver

The AxioObserver, our versatile epifluorescence microscope, has been enhanced with a state-of-the-art Apotome module. This upgrade introduces optical sectioning capabilities, effectively reducing out-of-focus signals that are typical of widefield microscopy. Researchers can now achieve higher-quality images for applications such as imaging large tiled regions, full sample carriers, and gentle live-cell imaging—all without compromising acquisition speed. The Apotome module is an excellent alternative to confocal microscopy for experiments where throughput and speed are critical. Interested in learning more? Contact us for addition via microscopy@microverse-cluster.de.

Our multimodal ELYRA microscope, renowned for its super-resolution techniques like structured illumination microscopy (SIM) and single-molecule localization microscopy (SMLM), has been upgraded to the ZEN Blue platform. This transition from the older ZEN Black interface offers a more intuitive and user-friendly experience, along with advanced tools like experiment designer, enhanced tile and position management, and seamless workflows for superior imaging experiments. Last but not least, we have a new module in ZEN Blue where a given acquisition pattern can be triggered by specific events in the sample. Come and try it out!

New Hypoxia Option for Live-Cell Experiments

Controlling environmental conditions during live-cell imaging has never been easier. Our stage-top incubator on the AxioObserver now features a hypoxia module, allowing researchers to regulate oxygen levels from ~0.5% to 21% during experiments. This new capability will soon expand to additional systems, providing greater flexibility for oxygen-sensitive studies.

These enhancements reflect our ongoing commitment to providing state-of-the-art imaging solutions to the research community. We warmly invite you to explore these new capabilities and connect with us for more information, to schedule a demonstration, or to discuss your specific imaging needs.

Reach out to us at microscopy@microverse-cluster.de—we look forward to hearing from you!