New Tool to Amplify the Power of Confocal Imaging

Mannheim, Germany. High content screening is a growing discipline in life science research as the number of complex experiments is increasing and statistically relevant data become a “must” for scientific publications.

Leica Microsystems has released the first High Content Screening Automation package for confocal research microscopes Leica HCS A. Combining the strength of high-resolution point scanners with the new ingenious LAS AF MATRIX M3 software platform delivers a highly flexible tool for automated imaging in multi dimensions. As the value is more than the sum of its parts, Leica Microsystems enables researchers to customize Leica confocal microscopes according to actual requirements in life science research laboratories.

Basic automation like mosaicing of tissue slides or multiwell plate screening in 2D and 3D are part of the starting packages. More sophisticated demands are satisfied by intelligent microscopy: five new auto foci, single object tracking or automated control of water objectives always deliver excellent results.

As important as to generate thousands of images it is important to consider their storage and analysis. Therefore, the new export formats are compatible to Open Microscopy Environment by OME.TIFF. Standard TIFF-files can be read by any modern image analysis software, too.

“Customize your confocal”, that is the idea Leica Microsystems shared with leading researchers and lead them to create the Computer Aided Microscopy (CAM) interface. By remote control of the imaging process, the detection of rare events like e.g. mitosis phases now becomes reality. Sophisticated algorithms can analyze images on the fly and report the target coordinates to the instrument via the programming interface CAM. Immediately, the pre-scan switches to high-resolution zoom-in mode and starts to image the target cells directly, offering excellent perspectives for a new type of experiments.

Leica HCS A is designed for the core confocal platform systems. Users can choose between the Leica TCS SP5 broadband confocal, the Leica TCS LSI to visualize specimen from micro to macro scale, or the Leica TCS SPE, known for ease of use and robustness. Leica Microsystems offers the right tools to automate research work easily and efficiently.

Leica Microsystems is a leading global designer and producer of innovative, high-tech, precision optical systems for the analysis of microstructures. It is one of the market leaders in each of its business areas: Microscopy, Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy with corresponding Imaging Systems, Specimen Preparation, and Medical Equipment. The company manufactures a broad range of products for numerous applications requiring microscopic imaging, measurement, and analysis. It also offers system solutions for life science including biotechnology and medicine, research and development of raw materials, and industrial quality assurance. The company is represented in over 100 countries with 11 manufacturing facilities in 8 countries, sales and service organizations in 19 countries and an international network of dealers. The international management is headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany.