Nikon moves further into 'complete live cell care'

In a major extension of its traditional involvement in cellular imaging, Nikon Instruments has signaled its intention to broaden out even further into the field of live cell care with the launch of the BioStation CT. By combining the precise environmental control capabilities of a high-performance incubator with the advanced optics needed for drift-free live-cell imaging, BioStation CT removes the need for culture dishes to be transported from one location to another for observation, and represents an entirely new ‘hands-free’ approach to managing, observing and recording cells in culture.

Nikon’s commitment to Live Cell Care was originally founded on the TE2000PFS system, for time lapse recording, the C1si microscope, for spectral confocal applications, and the BioStation IM, a bench-top single user, single experiment incubator, but has recently been enhanced by the introduction of Controlled Light Exposure Microscopy (CLEM) and the LiveScan Swept Field Confocal (SFC) Microscope. CLEM allows time-lapse studies of protein interactions to be undertaken without fear of cell degradation, death or bleaching by dramatically reducing photobleaching and thereby enhancing cell survival. SFC reduces the inherent crosstalk and noise traditionally associated with live cell confocal imaging and minimises phototoxicity and photobleaching by allowing the microscope to scan rapidly for very short excitation durations.

According to Robert Forster, General Manager Nikon UK Instruments, “The BioStation concept builds on our increasing commitment to live cell imaging and is a key element in our strategy of developing the concept of ‘complete cell care’. Over recent years there has been a growing trend to observe live cells using more and more innovative imaging techniques, including digital, confocal and a vast array of advanced fluorescence. We have responded by developing the necessary optical hardware and analysis software, readily found in our microscopy and imaging solutions. We are committed to developing optical systems that help researchers accurately track cells, minimise the level of stress imposed on them and reduce the amount of phototoxicity, thereby extending their life.”

With solutions such as the BioStation CT that maintain living cells in an optimum environment over prolonged periods, this represents another step towards helping researchers obtain a true picture of what is actually happening in vivo, whilst prolonging the cell life.

The launch of the BioStation CT also signals Nikon’s increasing focus on developing applications-led, complete solutions that have microscopy at their core. “We see optical solutions as being key components of the experimental research process rather than purely stand-alone items. We are, therefore, focusing our R&D activity on ways of integrating our imaging solutions with other advanced technologies to simplify experimental protocols and enhance the results they deliver”, added Mr. Forster.