Imaging
Imaging
A technological platform to discover the fascinating nature invisible to our eyes
We use visible light and special lenses (microscopes) to magnify images of very small objects, invisible to the naked eye, so that they can be examined in detail. We obtain detailed images of biological samples (and others), such as algae, corals, fish, embryos and cells. These images allow us to study their morphology, structure and biological function, as well as deepen our understanding of the science underlying the dynamic processes fundamental to life. We observe cells, tissues and microorganisms in laboratories using optical microscopy.
Advanced imaging methods
We develop imaging methods to analyse biomolecules inside their natural context and render opaque organisms transparent to look inside their complex structure. We investigate the natural world at different scale levels, from molecules to cells, organs and organisms.
Our team is highly multidisciplinary, with expertise in advanced optical microscopy, marine biology and cell culture research, image analysis and computational sciences.
Meet the responsible for our microscopy platform services:
For more information about our services, please contact: ccmarimaging@ualg.pt
Through this technological platform, CCMAR is a member of:
What imaging services do we provide?
We are committed to providing a comprehensive support on optical microscopy to meet the diverse needs of the research community. Our services are available for both on-site and remote access, tailored to accommodate the unique requirements of each project and user.
Technology
- Access to cutting-edge microscopy technology
- Project consultations for tailored imaging solutions
- Sample preparation protocol advice
- Image analysis guidance
- Testing samples using various microscopy techniques
- Assisted imaging – our staff can image with you
Training
- Hands-on comprehensive training for independent users
- Imaging courses and workshops
Support
- Assistance with Grants and Publications (imaging section)
- Quotations for imaging projects and grant applications
- We assist in writing the imaging section of the material and methods in your publications
- Expert advice on microscope purchases
Maintenance
- Preventive maintenance and repair for simple microscopes
- Validation of microscope reliability and performance
- Routine calibrations
- Image quality control assurance
Our imaging systems
CCMAR Imaging hosts several widefield microscopy systems, a lightsheet microscope and advanced imaging software for automated image analysis.
It supports versatile applications for both fixed and live samples and provides opportunities for 3D imaging, coupling dynamic studies (time-lapse recording) with high-resolution qualitative and quantitative image analysis.
Zeiss LightSheet Z.1
Location: Building 8 Lab 1.16, Gambelas Campus
Main Applications: Fast 3D imaging of relatively large specimens with low photobleaching and low phototoxicity. Ideal to study developmental biology, long time-lapse in vivo experiments, 3D imaging of semi-transparent and optically cleared organs and specimens (up to 1×1×2 cm3 in size).
Suitable samples: Zebrafish larvae, embryos, organs (mouse heart, kidney, brain), algae, corals, bivalves, etc.
Technical Specs can be found HERE.
Leica DM6 (fully motorised upright microscope)
Location: Imaging room 2.61, Building 7, Gambelas Campus
Main Applications: Color (RGB) imaging, automated imaging, histology (including merge of the whole tissue section), live imaging, time-lapse, Z-stacks, Extended Depth of Focus to project 3D information in a single image, automated Tiles & Multi-positions.
Imaging modalities: Brightfield, Fluorescence, Phase Contrast, Polarization, Differential Interference Contrast
Samples: microalgae, histological tissue sections, mollusc spicules, fish scales, zoo and phytoplankton, cells.
Olympus IX81 (fully motorised inverted microscope with 2 cameras)
Location: Imaging room 2.61, Building 7, Gambelas Campus.
Main Applications: Live cell imaging, Fluorescence imaging, Color (RGB) imaging, multiwell plates screening, automated imaging, histology (including merge of the whole tissue section), time-lapse, Z-stacks, Extended Depth of Focus to project 3D information in a single image, automated Tiles & Multi-positions.
Imaging modalities: Brightfield, Fluorescence, Phase Contrast, Differential Interference Contrast.
Samples: cells (live & fixed), algae, histological tissue sections, fish juveniles, corals, mollusc spicules, zoo and phytoplankton, microplastics.
AxioZoom.V16 (Motorised Zoom-Stereo Fluorescence Microscope)
Location: Aquatic Animal Facility LEOA, Building 9 Lab 0.08, Gambelas Campus
Main Applications: Dissections, manipulations, microinjections of organisms, 3D multichannel fluorescence image acquisition (Z-stacks), Immunofluorescence assays, time-lapse imaging, suitable for EpiFluorescence, Bright and Darkfield.
Suitable Samples: Zebra fish, embryos, algae, fluorescently-labelled semi-transparent specimens maintained and kept in culture in the LEOA Aquatic animal facility. Not suitable for large and opaque samples.
Technical Specs can be found HERE.
FlowCam Microscope
FlowCam is a unique imaging technology that combines flow imaging, particle analysis and high-throughput microscopy. FlowCam is a precision instrument that captures digital images of subvisible particles and microorganisms in a flowing liquid. Upon system calibration, you can learn about your sample, including the size and shape of your particles, and how many there are of each type.
Location: Sample preparation room 2.91, Building 7, Gambelas Campus
Main Applications: environmental water monitoring, analytical characterization of a population of particles or microorganisms, study the microbial life of Aquatic samples (ocean and freshwater), particle analysis (Biopharma, Food industry, Material sciences).
Suitable Samples: microplankton, microalgae, aquaculture water, organoids, fish embryos.
Axioscope 5 (Upright Epifluorescence)
Location: Aquatic Animal Facility LEOA, Building 9 Lab 0.08, Gambelas Campus
Main Applications: Immunofluorescence assays, cell counting, morphological assays, multichannel fluorescence image acquisition, time lapse imaging in Brightfield and EpiFluorescence.
Suitable Samples: Live and fixed cell imaging, and thin specimens maintained and kept in culture in the LEOA Aquatic animal facility.
Technical Specs can be found HERE.
Zeiss Axio Vert.A1 (Inverted Epifluorescence)
Location: Cell Culture Facility – BSL2+ cat, Building 7 Lab 3.38, Gambelas Campus
Main Applications: Cell and tissue cultures routine work, live cell imaging, cell counting, morphological assays, time-lapse imaging in Brightfield, Phase Contrast and EpiFluorescence.
Suitable samples: Cell and tissue cultures kept and treated inside the BSL2+ room 3.38
Technical Specs can be found HERE.
Zeiss Primovert (Inverted Phase Contrast and Brightfield)
Location: Cell Culture Facility – BSL2+ cat, Building 7 Lab 3.38, Gambelas Campus
Main Application: Live cell imaging, cell viability assays, cell counting, time-lapse imaging, morphology assays in Brightfield and Phase Contrast (colour images)
Suitable samples: Cell and tissue cultures kept and treated inside the BSL2+ room 3.38
Technical Specs can be found HERE.
