PALM MicroBeam: the New Generation of Systems makes Non-contact Laser Microdissection even more Flexible and Reliable

With the new generation of PALM MicroBeam, the Carl Zeiss MicroImaging daughter P.A.L.M. Microlaser Technologies GmbH is setting a new standard in laser microdissection.

The non-contact and hence contamination-free isolation of homogeneous specimens from tissue or the acquisition of living cells allows the molecular analysis of DNA, RNA and proteins. Flexibility and efficiency offer new possibilities to scientists working not only in the pharmaceutical industry and life science research, but also in forensics and plant research. The system is based on the Axio Observer research microscope introduced by Carl Zeiss MicroImaging in October 2006. Improved image analysis, advanced fluorescence techniques and digital camera technology expand the limits of the visible.

The system provides the user with an incomparable spectrum of applications – and all with maximum precision and reliability. The integration of various modules permits it to be flexibly upgraded for future tasks. The gentle handling of living cells, from preparation and cutting right up to catapulting, is guaranteed. The possibility of extracting and analyzing small quantities of starting material opens up new applications in, for example, pathology and cancer research, as well as in stem cell research and individualized medicine.

In addition, working with PALM MicroBeam is enhanced by new image analysis techniques such as multi-channel fluorescence and extended focus. Details become visible by superposition of images. The integration of the digital ZEISS AxioCam MR camera offers unique imaging qualities for maximum resolution in brightfield and maximum sensitivity in fluorescence.

Axio Observer is the optimum basis for a microdissection system, and it can also be used independently as a versatile research microscope. In addition, a large number of components from Carl Zeiss, e.g. AxioVision or ApoTome, are available for further functions such as image generation and processing.