MBIC / FBNP Resources

Facilities provided for use by the general Center personnel. To use any of these resources please refer to the Training page.

Confocal Microscope Systems

Carl Zeiss LSM-510_META_MP_ConfoCor 3 Confocal Microscope:
This microscope system provides one-photon (1-p) and two-photon (2-p) confocal, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS), and spectra unmixing fluorescence technologies. There are five visible laser lines (458, 488, 514, 561, 633 nm) and a Chameleon Ultra 2-p laser (690-1020 nm) for excitation. Applications are broad with unique features such as 1-p/2-p FCS and confocal.


Carl Zeiss LSM-510_Meta_DuoScan Inverted Confocal Microscope:
This microscope system provides one-photon (1-p) confocal, UV photo-manipulation and spectra unmixing fluorescence technologies. There are six visible laser lines (405, 458, 488, 514, 561 and 633 nm). Image acquisition includes multi-color, z-stack, time lapse and multi-position dimensions, which is suitable for applications such as localization, colocalization, molecule interaction, uncaging, FRET, FRAP, FLIP and ratio imaging.


Andor Revolution XD Syst. with Spinning Disk Confocal/TIRF/FRAPPA:
This system provides a range of laser-illuminated microscopy solutions, including spinning disk confocal, total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) and FRAPPA (photo-bleach, activation and ablation) modalities, ideal for live-cell imaging and photo-manipulation. There are four laser lines (405, 488, 560, and 640 nm) and three cameras (two EMCCD and one CCD).

Image Processing and Analysis Software

Imaris scientific software module allows visualization of original and derived data objects in a real time interactive manner so you can quickly make visual assessments of your experiments in 3D and 4D to discover relationships that are otherwise hidden. Its rendering quality, speed, precision and interactivity are unrivalled. With a large variety of segmentation options, Imaris provides you with the most effective tools to segment even the toughest datasets to identify, separate, and visualize individual objects and then utilize the Imaris MeasurementPro module to pull out the statistics.

Flow & Imaging Cytometers, Fluorescence Plate Reader

FACS Sorting Flow Cytometer:
The BD FACSDiva workstation controls the BD FACSVantage SE flow cytometer when operated in digital mode. It consists of a Windows-based computer running BD FACSDiva acquisition and analysis software.


Tecan Infinite M1000 Plate Spectrometer:


Perkin Elmer Lambda 45 UV/Vis Spectrometer:


Tecan Safire2 Fluorescence Plate Reader:
Safire2 is a fully modular monochromator-based microplate detection system that offers a range of high-speed fluorescence techniques. Detection modules are available for top and bottom fluorescence intensity measurements, fluorescence polarization studies and multi-channel absorbance and luminescence measurements. Whether researchers wish to perform the latest biomolecular assays for primary or secondary screening, such as molecular interaction assays, kinase assays, protease assays or highly sensitive G-protein-coupled receptor assays, Safire2 has the options to fit the application requirements. Consecutive measurements in different fluorescent modes may be made with the shortest possible time interval between measurements. Safire2 also saves time and costs by eliminating the need for cumbersome filter changes. All wavelengths are easily accessible through a specially designed fast-scanning monochromator.

TCNP Imaging Resource:
Center for Biologic Imaging (Univ. of PGH)

Through the the National Technology Center for Networks and Pathways collaborative program MBIC users have access to the imaging resources at the Center for Biologic Imaging at the University of Pittsburgh. The following link will take you to the list of CBI fluorescence, confocal and electron microscopy resources: Center for Biologic Imaging Resources