1. How is the ArcturusXT different from competitive laser microdissection systems?
The ArcturusXT is the only system to combine the gentleness of IR laser-enable Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) and the speed and precision of UV Laser Cutting in an open, modular design platform. The modularized system allows the user to tailor the instrument configuration to suit their specific research requirements. Along with the Veritas™ Microdissection System, Molecular Devices exclusively provides absolute chain of custody for samples from start to finish of the microdissection process. The unique IR-enabled LCM ensures that you never lose possession of your precious sample. The operating software stores important study and experiment information, recording area of microdissection for each cap, along with slide and specimen data as needed. Static and live video image capture allow for documentation at each step of the microdissection process, providing certainty of capture area and material before and after microdissection, as well as documentation of what is actually captured on the CapSure cap for use in downstream applications.
2. How is the ArcturusXT modularized?
The ArcturusXT is built around the Nikon® Eclipse Ti-E research microscope, enabling ultimate system flexibility and modularity. The user may select from a number of options at the time of purchase, or upgrade at any time after purchase. The system is standard with the Molecular Devices-exclusive IR-laser enabled LCM, and may be configured with either LED or phase contrast illumination, including optional DIC. The user may then choose from several system upgrades, including UV laser cutting, attenuable fluorescence, a customized selection of objectives (up to 100X), a high-resolution second camera for optimal image clarity and optional binoculars for traditional microscope functionality. Further, the ArcturusXT is fully extendable to integrate potential add-ons and future options such as optical trap laser tweezers, environmental control chamber for live cell applications, and a variety of stage inserts to accommodate alternate sample formats, such as petri dishes and large format slides.
3. What’s the precision of the stage?
Stage precision is better than 2 µm.
4. What is the maximum objective capability?
100X dry or oil, plus 1.5x intermediate magnification (optical) and 200% digital zoom.
5. Can I visualize and microdissect sub-cellular structures such as chromosomes?
Yes, with the ArcturusXT, you can visualize sub-cellular structures, including chromosomes and associated banding, for precise microdissection.
6. Is the system enclosed in a light tight box to optimize fluorescence like your other systems?
Unlike the enclosed systems, the ArcturusXT is a modular, open platform, allowing for ultimate flexibility. This open design utilizes Nikon’s exclusive ‘Noise Terminator’, which Nikon claims ‘eliminates the possibility of stray light that may escape from the fluorescence filter cube, reducing contrast and introducing photon noise into the image path.’ Additionally, the ArcturusXT has been engineered with exclusive cowling to minimize the influence of any ambient light.
7. Does ArcturusXT support DIC and Phase Contrast? Can I use DIC in conjunction with fluorescence?
Yes, ArcturusXT may be configured with phase contrast illumination and DIC. There are three sliders from which to choose: 20X, 40X and 60X. It is also possible to combine phase contrast and fluorescence, but it is not the typical manner of use as DIC is a contrast method for transmitted illumination, whereas fluorescence gets the contrast from labeled and unlabeled parts of the sample. For additional information on phase contrast and DIC, visit the Nikon website at: http://www.microscopyu.com/articles/phasecontrast/phasehome.html http://www.microscopyu.com/articles/dic/dicindex.html
8. What types of tissues can be microdissected? What types of slides can I use with the ArcturusXT?
The dual laser technology of the ArcturusXT system is designed to enable fast, easy, single-cell and large area microdissections from soft tissues such as breast, prostate, lung, pancreas, skin, as well as non-soft tissues such as plant, bone, cartilage, and cornea from 5µm to 100µm thick. Live cell microdissections as well as microdissection of sub-cellular structures such as chromosomes and organelles are also possible, further enabled when equipped with the optional 100X objective. These techniques are designed and supported to maximize biomolecule integrity, and are supported by over 1000 peer-reviewed publications worldwide.
Sample preparation is versatile with the ArcturusXT, allowing for the use of plain glass slides, glass membrane slides or metal frame membrane slides.
9. What range of tissue thickness do you recommend for microdissection?
Recommended tissue section thickness is 7 – 8µm. However, the ArcturusXT is configured to handle specimens up to 100 µm - 200mm thick.
10. Does the ArcturusXT allow for fluorescence applications? What fluorescence wavelengths can I visualize?
Yes, an optional fluorescence package is available that includes filter cubes for Red (570 – 630 nm), Blue (455 – 495 nm) and Green (503 – 548), as well as an optional UV filter cube (340 – 390 nm). The six-position filter turret is readily accessible and can accommodate any filter cube compatible with the Nikon Eclipse Ti-E platform.
11. How can the track ball and interactive pen display monitor benefit my workflow?
The track ball and pen display monitor allow for two-handed operation. For instance, the left hand can move the stage with the trackball while the right hand can freehand draw without the need for toggling the drawing tools. Further, the pen display monitor allows for intricate free hand drawing for the most precise microdissection.
12. What are the advantages to having two monitors for the instrument?
The second flatscreen monitor allows for dual-monitor operation, providing more space for the static snapshots, file management, and other applications..
13. Can I take high-resolution images for publication on the unit?
The standard color megapixel CCD camera can produce publication-quality images ranging from single frame to large mosaics. For the highest quality images, an optional Megapixel High Resolution Camera is available from Molecular Devices.
Additionally, the modular design of the ArcturusXT, built on the Nikon Eclipse Ti-E microscope, allows you to add any c-mount camera onto the system’s open port. You may then employ any image acquisition and analysis software, extending the instrument’s applicability as an advanced imaging platform for unique and demanding imaging requirements.
14. How does the operating software for the ArcturusXT instrument help manage my experiments?
Sample custody is maintained at all times with the ability to take static images and record movies to document every step of the process. All experiment and cap information, including total microdissection area, can be stored along with corresponding images. Further, all images for one slide are organized in a separate folder for systematic experiment documentation. The setting may be configured for automatic documentation, capturing static images before and after microdissection, as well as of the cap once at the QC station.
15. Can the ArcturusXT be used as a microscope when I am not microdissecting?
Yes, all microscope functions are available, including optional binoculars for traditional microscope visualization.
16. Can the ArcturusXT be equipped with optical trap laser tweezers?
Optical trap laser tweezers can be connected to the ArcturusXT, through the open microscope port. Molecular Devices does not currently provide or support a laser tweezer system for use with the ArcturusXT. Development is ongoing for potential future implementation.
17. Can I use the ArcturusXT for live cell applications?
Yes, the open design of the ArcturusXT is ideal for live cell applications. Optional 60X and 100X objectives, as well as optional phase contrast illumination with DIC further expand live cell capabilities. Visit www.moleculardevices.com to view an application note detailing live cell microdissection.
The modular system design allows for future expansion options, which can further augment live cell capabilities, including an environmental control chamber, and a modular stage insert to accommodate petri dishes.
18. Do I have to use Arcturus® Microgenomics reagents with the ArcturusXT?
Arcturus® Microgenomics reagents are not required to be used in conjunction with the ArcturusXT, but are recommended, as they have been specially optimized for use with LCM technology to ensure the highest quality results.
19. What are the workspace requirements?
28 in. H x 48 in. W x 36 in. D.
20. Is the system equipped with image analysis software for automated LCM?
The AutoScanXT software module is an image analysis program for the ArcturusXT microdissection instrument that automatically identifies areas for microdissection based on user-defined criteria. This software module is simple and straightforward to use, and the automated identification of cells greatly reduces the overall time required to perform a microdissection experiment. The AutoScanXT software module performs optimally on high contrast samples and may be used with colorimetric, fluorescence and IHC stained specimens. Please visit AutoScanXT web page for more information.
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