• True laser scanning confocal system ensures a diverse set of samples can be imaged with excellent signal-to-noise ratio.
• Software configurable detection pinhole provides two orders of magnitude of Z-resolution flexibility (<1 um to > 100 um) over fixed pinhole confocal systems. 
• Simultaneous or sequential scanning with up to 4 solid state lasers facilitates simultaneous acquisition for optimal speed performance (up to 4 times faster) or unique sequential scanning in combination with high resolution z-offset to correct for objective lens induced chromatic aberrations.
• Fully automated 100 nm resolution voice coil driven stages provide positioning accuracy to capture intricate sub-cellular features as well as monitor long structures, such as neurons, across high resolution tiled or stitched images.

Images of Neurons were acquired and tiled from 6 sites.  Each site is a long scan to capture a larger area.  Note that the neurites perfectly align across mutiple sites for easy quatification with our software algorithms.

• Software configurable field-of-view simplifies imaging of large objects like model organisms (c. elegans and zebrafish) and long structures similar to neuronal processes.  

Long scan of cells stained with a cytosolic marker (green) and nucle (red).  With a 20X objective scan lengths of up to 25.6 mm are possible

• Industry-leading autofocus option provides fast, reliable focusing with a dedicated 690 nm focus laser and ultra-fast sensors that will not bleach your sample while decreasing read times up to 5-fold.
• Custom design for screening enables capturing 25,000 wells per day in a 384-well microplate assay with a two color high quality assay (e.g., Transfluor ® beta-arrestin translocation assay). Lower resolution assays can be performed in excess of 100,000 wells / day.
• 4-position automated objective changer eliminates manual objective changes and allows automated switching of magnifications during a single experiment. 
• Universal plate holder facilitates image acquisition using any clear bottom plate from 6-well to 1536-well, in standard height, low profile, or low volume.
• Walk-away, 24/7 automation is achieved with the Thermo CRS CataLyst Express robotic plate handling system, enabling users to schedule multiple runs of one to three batches of 15 plates. 

Screening: Compound or RNAi screening can be used to determine the mechanisms of action in the research or treatment of cancer, neurological disorders, viral infection, hemophilia, and premature aging. Many of these assays require the detection of one to four fluorescent markers along with the ability to resolve their colocalization.  Multiple fluorophores can be imaged simultaneously or sequentially with the ImageXpress Ultra System and images overlaid for quantitating multiplexed cellular responses such as apoptosis, cell cycle, micronuclei, neurite outgrowth, angiogenesis, intracellular translocation, endocytosis, and cell signaling.

Unstimulated Transfluor Expressing cells wtih cytosolic distribution of beta arrestin GFP.	Stimulated Transfluor expressing cells with beta-arrestin GFP that has redistributed to vesicles.

Click Here to learn more about analysis for Cell Health, Cell Cycle, Micronuclei, Neurite Outgrowth, Angiogenesis, Translocation, Multi-wavelength cell scoring and Granularity

Stem cells:  Whether working with embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells, the ImageXpress Ultra Confocal Imaging System provides insight into the complex molecular and genetic signaling events that underlie cell proliferation and differentiation. By combining our unique stitching algorithm with precise stage movements, accurate measurement of neuronal processes across multiple fields of view can be recorded. A stack of images can be captured in the Z-plane within each field of view. The Z series images can then be collapsed into a best-focus image or used to view the sample in 3 dimensions. Software modules will help you optimize your stem cell assays and characterize the resulting differentiated cells.

Click on these links to learn more about the following application modules: Neurite Outgrowth, Translocation, Cell scoring and Multi Wavelength Cell Scoring.

Thick samples:  Some cells, particularly neurons or stem cells, must be grown on 3D matrices that can make focusing on the cells of interest a challenge.  Additionally, tissue sections are typically at least 20 µm thick, and when stained, can be difficult to image due to high background fluorescence.  The laser scanning confocal optics of the ImageXpress Ultra System make it ideal for viewing thick samples in microplates or on glass slides. A stack of crisp images can be captured in the Z-plane in as small as 100 nm increments. The Z series images can then be collapsed into a best-focus image or used to view the sample in 3 dimensions. Click on these links to learn more about the Neurite outgrowth and Angiogenesis application modules.

Mouse Kidney Section statined for nuclei (blue), actin filaments (green) and  plasma membrane (red)

Additional applications:  Images acquired with the top-of-the-line ImageXpress Ultra Confocal Imaging System can be analyzed using any of the numerous software modules that were developed in conjunction with researchers to address their specific applications needs.  These modules are tailored to make it easy to perform both common (counting cells) and specialized analyses (counting micronuclei appearance due to addition of genotoxic compounds) required for HCS.

Cells stained for Nuclei (Blue), actin filaments (green) and Mitochondria (Red)	Neuronal processes can be measured and quantified with a Neurite Outgrowth Application Module in MetaXpress Software.

To learn more about MetaXpress Application Modules that enable some common HCS assays listed click here.

• Stages
• Objectives
• Lasers
• Emission filters
• Compatible Dyes
• Space and Weight

• Linear encoded voice coil driven X,Y, and Z stages have < 100 nm resolution

Objectives

• Variety of Nikon 1x- 100x air and oil immersion lenses are supported.  Click here for a full list of objective options.

Lasers

• The ImageXpress Ultra system is a Class I Laser Product.
• The system comes standard with 488 nm and 635 nm solid state lasers and a filter cube for GFP / DRAQ5 imaging. 
• Up to 2 additional solid state lasers can be added
  • Violet (405 nm)
  • Green (532 or 561 nm)
• 690 nm wavelength laser for Autofocus

Emission filter specifications vary by laser configuration

• Standard Configuration
• 532 nm Laser Filter Set Configuration
• 561 nm Laser Filter set Configuration

Standard Configuration

532 nm laser Filter Set Configuration

561 nm Laser Filter Set Configuration

Molecular Devices brings the image acquisition and analysis for ImageXpress Systems under one common platform to streamline the HCS workflow, offering a truly end-to-end solution for high content screening.

MetaXpress® High Content Image Acquisition & Analysis Software

• MetaXpress Software Application Modules: turnkey solutions for your 100 most common analysis routines
• MetaXpress Software Custom Modules: flexible toolbox for advanced assays
• MetaXpress Software Journals: powerful macros to analyze unique applications

AcuityXpress^TM High-Content Informatics Software further analyzes, visualizes, and mines data

MetaXpress® PowerCore^TM High Content Distributed Image Analysis Software dramatically accelerates analysis speed in a high-throughput environment

MDCStore^TM Data Management Solution provides users with a validated solution to securely access, manage, and depoly a high content analysis environment. 

To learn more, visit our HCS Software section or download MetaXpress Software datasheet. 

Contact Us

• Request a quote
• Support contacts

Product Collateral

• ImageXpress Ultra System brochure
• Molecular Devices® Complete Imaging Solution brochure
• High content imaging application notes
• High content imaging scientific posters
• Cellular imaging webinar recordings

Product FAQ

• ImageXpress and MetaXpress suite of products knowledgebase
• MetaXpress Software discussion forum