Imaging Platform | - CCMAR -

Imaging Platform

 

Bioimaging - discover the fascinating nature invisible to your eyes.

We use visible light and special lenses (microscopes) to take detailed pictures and videos of biological samples, such as algae, corals, fish, embryos and cells.  These images allow us to study their morphology, structure and biological function, as well as to deepen our understanding of the science behind dynamic processes fundamental to life. We develop imaging methods to analyse biomolecules inside their natural context and render opaque organisms transparent to look inside their complex structure. We investigate the natural world at different scale levels, from molecules to cells, organs and organisms.

Get in touch: ccmarimaging@ualg.pt

 

Meet the Team:

Our team is highly multidisciplinary, with expertise in advanced optical microscopy, marine biology and cell culture research, image analysis and computational sciences.    

 

Our Imaging Systems:

CCMAR Imaging hosts several widefield microscopy systems, a lightsheet microscope and advanced imaging software for automated image analysis. 
It supports versatile applications for both fixed and live samples and provides opportunities for 3D imaging, coupling dynamic studies (time-lapse recording) with high-resolution qualitative and quantitative image analysis. 

 

  • Zeiss LightSheet Z.1

Location: Building 8 Lab 1.16, Gambelas Campus

Main Applications: Fast 3D imaging of relatively large specimens with low photobleaching and low phototoxicity. Ideal to study developmental biology, long time-lapse in vivo experiments, 3D imaging of semi-transparent and optically cleared organs and specimens (up to 1×1×2 cm3 in size). 

Suitable samples: Zebrafish larvae, embryos, organs (mouse heart, kidney, brain), algae, corals, bivalves, etc. 

Technical Specs can be found HERE.
 

 

  • AxioZoom.V16 (Motorised Zoom-Stereo Fluorescence Microscope)

Location: Aquatic Animal Facility  LEOA, Building 9 Lab 0.08, Gambelas Campus

Main Applications: Dissections, manipulations, microinjections of organisms, 3D multichannel fluorescence image acquisition (Z-stacks), Immunofluorescence assays, time-lapse imaging, suitable for EpiFluorescence, Bright and Darkfield. 

Suitable Samples: Zebra fish, embryos, algae, fluorescently-labelled semi-transparent specimens maintained and kept in culture in the LEOA Aquatic animal facility. Not suitable for large and opaque samples. 

Technical Specs can be found HERE.

 

 

  • Axioscope 5 (upright Epifluorescence)

Location: Aquatic Animal Facility  LEOA, Building 9 Lab 0.08, Gambelas Campus

Main Applications: Immunofluorescence assays, cell counting, morphological assays, multichannel fluorescence image acquisition, time lapse imaging in Brightfield and EpiFluorescence. 

Suitable Samples: Live and fixed cell imaging, and thin specimens maintained and kept in culture in the LEOA Aquatic animal facility. 

Technical Specs can be found HERE.

 

 

  • Zeiss Primovert (inverted Phase Contrast and Brightfield)

Location: Cell Culture Facility – BSL2+ cat, Building 7 Lab 3.38, Gambelas Campus

Main Application: Live cell imaging, cell viability assays, cell counting, time-lapse imaging, morphology assays in Brightfield and Phase Contrast (colour images)

Suitable samples: Cell and tissue cultures kept and treated inside the BSL2+ room 3.38

Technical Specs can be found HERE.

 

  • Zeiss Axio Vert.A1 (inverted epifluorescence)

Location: Cell Culture Facility – BSL2+ cat, Building 7 Lab 3.38, Gambelas Campus

Main Applications: Cell and tissue cultures routine work, live cell imaging, cell counting, morphological assays, time-lapse imaging in Brightfield, Phase Contrast and EpiFluorescence. 

Suitable samples: Cell and tissue cultures kept and treated inside the BSL2+ room 3.38

Technical Specs can be found HERE.

 

 

Our services and support to the community:

CCMAR Bioimaging Platform aims to deliver the support in optical microscopy the community needs. The service is available for both on-site or remote access depending on the characteristics of the project and user preferences. 

CCMAR Bioimaging staff is available for:

  • Project consultations to assess the imaging requirements for each user 
  • Advise on sample preparation protocols
  • Hands-on comprehensive training to learn how to operate the microscope (mandatory for becoming an independent user)
  • Support and advise on image analysis
  • Testing samples on different microscopes
  • Assisted imaging – we can image for you
  • Support on writing Grants and Applications (imaging section)
  • Quotations for submitting imaging projects and grant applications
  • Support on writing imaging section of material and methods in your publications
  • Microscope maintenance and quality control
  • Imaging courses and workshops
  • Provide an independent – expert view in purchasing microscopes

 

Prices and Instrument Charges* 

*Instrument charges will be implemented from the 1st of June 2023. Until then, the Imaging Platform is open to all and our equipment and services are available to the scientific community completely free of charge. 

Instruments charges per hour are highly subsidised for academia and were calculated according to instruments consumables, running costs and preventive repair. 

 

You can find Imaging Platform Booklet HERE.