Microscopy and Histology Suite

Microscopy is a fundamental research tool used in the investigation of disease samples and experimental models. At Curtin MRI, advanced imaging technologies are employed, including fluorescence based techniques that enable high resolution and three dimensional visualisation of biological structures.

Histology facilities support the preparation of specimens for microscopic analysis, with equipment available for tissue processing, embedding and sectioning of both frozen and paraffin samples onto slides. Routine staining techniques are also supported to enhance visualisation and interpretation.

Curtin MRI provides a comprehensive range of microscopy and histology equipment to meet diverse research needs, including systems for high magnification imaging, three dimensional analysis, high content slide scanning and live cell imaging.

OPTICAL MICROSCOPY

Flow cytometry analysers support backbone research applications like immunophenotyping, and analysing cell health or disease markers in immunology, cancer research, and diagnostics.

Widefield Fluorescent Microscopy

Fully manual microscopes ideal for routine applications including sample checking, staining practice and colour imaging, requiring a short training session.

Olympus IX-51:

Long working distance objectives for cell culture plates, including phase contrast at 10x magnification.
LED excitation for simple Fluorescence imaging
High resolution camera and acquisition software

Olympus IX-51:

Long working distance objectives for cell culture plates, including phase contrast at 10x magnification.
LED excitation for simple Fluorescence imaging
High resolution camera and acquisition software

Olympus BX-51:

High NA objectives for cover-slipped slides
High-resolution camera for fluorescence and colour brightfield imaging
Transmitted light optics for setting Kohler illumination

Multispectral Nuance camera :

Zeiss Axioskop upright system with long-pass fluorescence filter cubes and excellent brightfield illumination.
Spectral camera for acquiring separating multiple IHC stains in tissue sections
InForm analysis software for spectral unmixing and autofluorescence removal

SLIDE SCANNER

Basic description: This microscope is excellent for large-area imaging capable of imaging 100 slides in brightfield, polarised light and 7 fluorescence channels.

Zeiss Axioscan Z.1:

LED fluorescence excitation allows for high-speed imaging of up to 100 slides
2x High-end cameras for brightfield in colour and high-sensitivity monochrome for fluorescence
Automatic focus mapping ensures that entire samples are captured in focus even at high magnification

Zeiss Axioscan Z.1:

CONFOCAL MICROSCOPY

Advanced research microscopes which use lasers and sensitive detectors, excluding out of focus light to capture high resolution and 3D images of fluorescently labelled samples.

Andor Dragonfly Spinning Disk

Fast, gentle imaging and large area stitching of various sample types from large 3D specimens to single cells
7 laser lines and emission filters, with 2 high-sensitivity cameras
Live cell incubation, photo-ablation and microfluidics add-ons

Nikon A1+:

Versatile high-performance point scanning confocal microscope, ideal for thick samples
4 lasers and matched detectors for multicolour imaging plus 32 channel spectral detector
Transmission detector for simultaneous brightfield and confocal imaging, including DIC optics and live-cell incubation chamber

HISTOLOGY

Analysis of human and animal tissues often requires very thin slices. CurtinMRI’s suite of Leica instruments allow preparation of both paraffin and frozen sections for microscopy.

Tissue Processor:

Automatic dehydration and infiltration of fixed tissues with paraffin wax

Embedding station:

Multiple mould sizes are available for generating paraffin wax blocks

H&E Staining Station

A ventilated area is available for routine Haematoxylin and Eosin staining
Pots, racks, solutions and mountant are included for Curtin MRI lab members

Leica RM2235 Microtome:

1 – 60µm manual precision paraffin sectioning including water bath and slide dryer

Leica CM1520 Cryostat (x2):

For generating 5 – 60µm thick manual frozen sections.
Poly-L-Lysine or saline coated slides are available from CurtinMRI internal stores

Microscopy & Histology Gallery

Training and access

To use our Microscopy and Histology Facility, you will need to have specific training for each piece of equipment.

Complete our Facility inductions (to organise your induction email CurtinMRI@curtin.edu.au )

Email michael.nesbit@curtin.edu.au, Technical Specialist, and provide a brief outline of your project, how you plan to use microscopy & histology in your research, with anticipated timelines, and attach relevant references.

Attend the first-user meeting. Depending on user experience and the nature of the experiment, more discussions may be required before commencing training. Michael Nesbit will provide some learning resources to ensure a theoretical understanding of the instruments ahead of use.

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