cellFRAP - Photomanipulation solution for Olympus imaging systems

The cellFRAP system provides a versatile platform for a wide range of experimental needs, from basic bleaching to advanced protocols including FRAP, iFRAP, FLIP and FLAP.

The system is also ideal for processes such as photo−conversion, photo−activation, pattern bleaching, laser cutting and trapping. An independent light path enables simultaneous imaging and bleaching and the module integrates seamlessly with other imaging modules and laser options. Intelligent scanning modes enable much faster bleaching rates than standard methods and facilitate accurate bleaching of very small structures.

Features:

• From bleaching to photo−conversion - Users can control each setting for a broad range of procedures, including inverse FRAP, FLIP, FLAP, photo-activation, photo-conversion and photo-switching with multiple regions of interest.
• Optically advanced - The Olympus xcellence cellFRAP system uses an independent light path, which enables simultaneous fluorescence imaging and bleaching.
• Pattern bleaching - The cellFRAP system is capable of bleaching a large number of points in a defined pattern at high speed. Combined with diffraction limited optics, this method provides a useful and attractive alternative to fluorescent speckle microscopy (FSM).
• Rapid synchronisation - The Olympus cellFRAP module is capable of incredibly fast switching between bleaching and image capture, matching the requirements of all kinds of photomanipulation experiments.
• Flexible laser options - Can be integrated with two separate laser channels or a multi-laser combiner, providing excellent flexibility. Combined with UV-compatible optics, this gives the user an unmatched level of flexibility when it comes to laser and fluorophore choice.
• Intelligent scanning modes - By scanning only the region of interest, bleaching is achieved at a rate up to ten times faster than standard methods, and multiple areas within the same frame can be bleached very quickly.
• Sub−cellular laser cutting - The unique optical path employed by the system enables the use of pulsed lasers to cut cellular components such as growth cones and filopodia as well as intracellular structures such as actin fibres, microtubules, ER and mitochondria.