ELYRA product family combines PAL-M and SR-SIM technology

With ELYRA, Carl Zeiss is introducing a product family that allows the superresolution PAL-M and SR-SIM microscopy techniques to be comprehensively used and individually combined for the very first time. This enables scientists in biomedical research to image cellular structures marked with fluorescent dyes with maximum spatial resolution below the classic diffraction limit of microscopes, i.e. under 200 nanometers. This offers new possibilities for the analysis of the spatial relationship between the smallest cellular components down to the individual molecule.

The system line comprises three microscope systems: ELYRA S.1 (SR-SIM) is the first microscope system to allow the use of SR-SIM technology on the basis of a standard microscope stand. With ELYRA P.1, PAL-M technology is now being offered commercially for the first time. The ELYRA PS.1 combined system permits the very first combination of the two technologies on the same stand, both with each other and with a laser scanning microscope. This means that an object can be imaged with the three LSM, SR-SIM and PAL-M techniques in succession.

ELYRA gives users the opportunity to acquire the superresolution systems on either a “turnkey” or modular basis. They no longer need to invest in single extremely specialized and expensive systems. PAL-M technology offers the highest resolution currently available while the outstanding feature of SR-SIM technology is its high level of flexibility in the choice of dye. This means that both superresolution methods are available without the previous limitations in dye selection or user-friendliness.

These outstanding properties have been made possible by the new laser widefield illumination with fully motorized elements for illumination in Total Internal Reflexion (TIRF) and for the superresolution structured illumination (SR-SIM). Electron multiplying CCDs guarantee highly sensitive detection. Intuitive operation and comprehensive data analysis are implemented with the ZEN software.

The optimal combination for high-end research is offered by ELYRA in conjunction with the Laser Scanning Microscope 780. However, PAL-M and SR-SIM can also be combined with the LSM 710 laser scanning microscope.

Fig. 1: With the PAL-M and SR-SIM microscopy techniques, the ELYRA microscope system offers superresolution beyond the classic diffraction limit of microscopes.

Fig. 2: Photograph of neuronal growth cone with widefield microscopy (left) and SR-SIM, staining for tubulin (red) and F-actin (green). Specimen: M. Fritz and M. Bastmeyer, University of Karlsruhe (TH), Germany.

Further information is available at www.zeiss.de/elyra.

Text on the Internet: www.zeiss.de/micro-press.

Carl Zeiss AG

Carl Zeiss AG is a leading group of companies operating worldwide in the optical and opto-electronic industries. The five independently operating business groups are active in the future-oriented markets of Medical and Research Solutions, Industrial Solutions and Lifestyle Products. Founded in 1846 in Jena, the company is headquartered in Oberkochen, Germany. Carl Zeiss AG is fully owned by the Carl Zeiss Stiftung (Carl Zeiss Foundation). During fiscal year 2007/08 (ended Sept. 30), the company generated revenues of EUR 2,731 million. Carl Zeiss has around 13,000 employees in more than 30 countries, including over 8,000 in Germany.

Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH

Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH is a 100% subsidiary of Carl Zeiss AG. The leading manufacturer of microscope systems offers total solutions for biomedical research, the healthcare sector and high-tech industries. The product line spans a broad spectrum from light microscopes and systems for laser scanning microscopy and spectrometry to hardware and software for image processing and documentation.

Microscopes from Carl Zeiss allow scientists to gain important knowledge about diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s and tuberculosis. This results in new diagnostic techniques and better drugs for therapy. ZEISS microscopes support the development of new materials and enable more efficient quality inspection in industry.

Carl Zeiss MicroImaging GmbH is headquartered in Jena. Other manufacturing and development sites are located in Göttingen and Munich. During fiscal year 2007/08, the Microscopy Group at Carl Zeiss generated revenues of approximately EUR 340 million with a global workforce of about 1,700.