June 22, 2009. Wetzlar, Germany. Live cell research and screening applications are mainly based on

samples in an aqueous solution, so the use of water objectives is becoming more and

more important. Water objectives allow aberration-free focusing into such samples.

Unfortunately, water evaporates at room temperature, even more so at 37°C and therefore

cannot be used for long-term experiments.

Leica Microsystems has now launched a Water Immersion Micro Dispenser that is easy to

retrofit and can be used with water immersion objectives even for long term experiments

of living organisms and screening experiments in live cell research. From a small

water reservoir magnetically attached to the center of the objective nosepiece, water

is automatically pumped into a water cap mounted on the objective. The compact design

allows the utilization of all nosepiece positions. The correction ring stays accessible

and the full free working distance of the water objective is maintained. Due to the

special design of the water cap, the water droplet remains in place, even for screening

or mark and find experiments that involve a great deal of stage movement.

As the dispenser plus water reservoir is fully integrated in the microscope and climate

chamber, the water is already at the right temperature and does not have to be heated.

A protective collar around the objective that can absorb the entire contents of the

water reservoir prevents any water getting into the microscope.

The Water Immersion Micro Dispenser is designed for the Leica DMI6000 B inverted

microscope, which is a component of confocal as well as high-end widefield systems.

Leica Microsystems’ continuing innovation in microscopy brings the benefits of

high-resolution water immersion objectives to live cell applications at 37°C, long term

and screening experiments.

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

10 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.