Developed in the Clarendon laboratory in the physics department at the University of Oxford, Oxford Nanoimaging (ONI) has released the desktop fluorescence microscope, the Nanoimager, to deliver nanoscale resolution imaging of live cells.
This approach from the Kapanidis Gene-Machines team aims to democratise the use of powerful single-molecule imaging and super-resolution microscopy technology. With a low cost of entry and ease of use, Nanoimager opens opportunities for nanoscale research without the need for a large, specialist laboratory and without a daunting training and operating burden.
The Kapanidis group have generated nanoscale images of cellular features with ten times the resolution of conventional fluorescence microscopy. Single-molecule imaging capability enables the understanding of biomolecular processes. Nanoimager can measure the dynamics of molecular interactions and structural transitions such as detecting the assembly of protein subunits or observing the synthesis of DNA in real-time.
The Nanoimager microscope unit measures 21cm x 21cm x 15cm. It has been engineered for optimum single-molecule imaging functionality. It may be operated on a regular desk or bench without the need for extra anti-vibration or environmental isolation. The robust design works together with passive dampening elements to reduce vibrations and drift, and real-time focus and sample positioning provides the stability for data collection over many hours.
The clear and intuitive user interface helps research users new to single-molecule localisation work toward rapid productivity. The large field of view, real-time data analysis features, and high degree of instrument automation enable high-throughput workflows, directly applicable to the wide range of emergent single-molecule screening applications. ONI strives to deliver the most comprehensive data analysis tools to match users’ needs for advanced post-acquisition data analysis.