In Vivo Imaging From Whole Organ to Single Cell

15 May 2011
bridget bridget
Laboratory Director

Product news

UVP, LLC announces the release of the new iBox® Explorer™ Fluorescence Microscope at ASM. The Explorer system combines the technology from its macro imager, the iBox Scientia™ Imaging System, with new micro imaging technology that incorporates imaging tissues, tissue margins and individual cells. The Explorer provides breakthrough advances in its dual lighting system and software controlled objectives. The Explorer system supplies the benefit of using one complete system for macro and micro in vivo animal fluorescent imaging.

"The iBox Explorer is significant for speed and versatility," according to Sean Gallagher (VP and CTO UVP). "Enabling the rapid and multiplexed fluorescence detection of tumor margins and micro metastasis, the Explorer cleanly separates normal from cancer tissues via the cell's fluorescent signature. Operating in the visible and NIR wavelengths, the Explorer yields detailed images of tissues and cells or, using the joy stick, 'flies' across an area such as the open abdominal region or skin flap of a mouse for rapid screening." In addition to imaging both the whole organ and cells of small animals, the Explorer delivers optical configurations that are parcentered and parfocal, allowing seamless imaging through the magnification ranges.

The leading-edge cooled color camera enables quick detection, image capture and high throughput. The software automates research with total system control and allows easy creation of templates for reproducible and consistent results.

Alex Waluszko, VP for Marketing/Sales, reports "Our market research identifies the requirement for quick viewing of fluorescent markers from whole organ to single cell is an unmet need. The iBox Explorer supplies an economical solution for even the smallest labs and budgets in the cancer research field."

One key component of the Explorer system is the new BioLite™ Xe excitation light source which provides a bright illumination source for fluorescent, visible, and NIR ranges. The BioLite Xe source houses a xenon lamp that allows brilliant excitation of fluorescent probes in a variety of applications. The BioLite Xe includes a motorized filter wheel for the addition of up to eight independent excitation filters for convenient switching between experiments and multiplexing applications.

The iBox Explorer Fluorescence Microscope is the ideal system for applications including:

• Tumor shedding and angiogenesis
• Micro/Macro metastases
• Tumor/host margins and interactions
• Tumor micro environment
• Primary tumor growth
• Hematogenous and Intralymphatic trafficking
• Extravasation

UVP's CEO and President, Leighton Smith, said, "We are excited about the new iBox Explorer and its ability to not only see from the whole organ but also down to the individual cell level. The release of the iBox Explorer further demonstrates UVP’s commitment to the continuing development of unique imaging technologies for live animal and plant in vivo applications."

At ASM, UVP will show other BioImaging Systems and Laboratory Products including:

BioSpectrum Imaging System designed to automate research with one-touch, pre-set or user-defined controls for accurate, repeatable imaging and analysis for chemiluminescence, bioluminescence, multiplex, fluorescence and colorimetric imaging. The BioSpectrum is faster than film for western blot imaging.

GelDoc-It Imaging System with industry leading 2.0 megapixel CCD camera for brilliant gel images. Maximize gel documentation with the modular accessories for colorimetric and epi UV illumination. VisionWorks software enables easy to use functionality for simple image capture and quantitative analysis.

BioDoc-It Imaging System with stand-alone design (no external computer required) and touch screen technology enables basic image capture. Allows images to be saved to USB or connect to network for transferring images.

HEPA/UV PCR Hoods for maximum contamination control. With UV for sterilization and decontamintion.

Hybridization Ovens with uniform temperature and variable speed controls for thorough mixing of samples. Select from several models including the HL-2000 with hybridization oven chamber plus UV crosslinker for multi-operation functions.

Ultraviolet Lamps are available in a wide range of handheld and benchtop designs for sterilization, fluorescence and inspection applications.

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AntibodiesAntibodies are used in techniques such as confocal and fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, ELISA, ELISPOT, immunohistochemistry, western blotting and immunopreciptation. Select specific antigen reactivity, high specific affinity, low non-specific binding, monoclonal or polyclonal, primary or secondary antibodies and associated conjugates such as an enzyme or dye for visualization.Cell / Tissue CultureCell culture or tissue culture is used to study the biology of cells or tissues and to isolate cellular products in an environment which can be manipulated and well defined. Accurately control your culture environment with bioreactors or culture incubators, bind your cells to a surface or together with an extracellular matrix. Distinguish cell types with differential media or proliferate cells with certain characteristics using selective media. Enrich your media with supplements such as growth factors, sera and vitamins. Find the best cell and tissue culture products, kits and equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.ProteomicsProteomics is the systemic bioinformatics study of proteins and amino acids, including their structure, size, function and identification. Tools used in proteomics include chromatography, blotting and gels, protein arrays, mass spectrometry and ELISA and associated analysis software. Analyzers and proteomic systems should be sensitive, high resolution, fast and may be automated for high-throughput.ADME-ToxicologyADME-toxicology (ADME-Tox) studies are used in pharmacology and pharmacokinetics to assess the activity/toxicity of drugs <i>in vivo</i> or <i>in vitro</i>. Find bioassays for absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drug molecules including cytotoxicity, transporter/permeability, metabolism and activity assays as well as hepatocytes and cell lines for ADME. Find the best ADME-toxicology products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cell-Based AssaysCell-based assays are used to monitor the presence, quantity and activities of a desired cellular analyte including drug molecules or biomarkers. This can reveal information on cell health (apoptosis, cytotoxicity, viability and proliferation assays), cell metabolism, cell migration and cell signaling mechanisms. Find the best cell-based assay products, kits and equipment with our peer reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receiving pricing direct from manufacturers.Protein PurificationProtein purification is a vital step in drug discovery, therapeutics, biotech and life science research. The purification process typically involves subcellular or membrane protein extraction with cell lysis kits, separation of proteins from cell debris by filtration or spin columns, and the isolation of proteins of interest from other proteins and impurities with affinity purification (including fusion protein tags and antibody binding proteins A, G and L), immunoprecipitation or chromatographic methods, such as ion exchange, size exclusion and immobilized metal affinity chromatography. All purification methods come in multiple formats for your laboratory needs, including agarose or magnetic beads, resins, columns and filter plates. Find the best protein purification equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.BiomarkersBiomarkers are biological markers which can be measured and evaluated to indicate a biological state. The use of biomarkers in research and diagnosis can indicate a normal or disease state or drug response of cells / tissues. Biomarkers include genetic markers, cell surface markers such as antigens, antibodies or receptors and secreted molecules such as cytokines. An assay system is required for identification of biomarkers. :Biopharmaceutical AdvancesBiopharmaceutical advances follow the development of pharmaceuticals derived from biotechnology, also known as biotechnology medicines. Biopharmaceuticals may be produced from cell lines, plants, or microbial cells. Important considerations of biopharmaceutical use include application, cost, production process and purification.Clinical TrialsClinical Trials, an essential part of drug discovery process, assess the safety and effectiveness of a new medication or device in the pharmaceutical industry. Clinical Trials are a phased process (Phase 0, Phase I, Phase II, Phase III and Phase IV) which begins after initial preclinical testing.In Vivo Imaging Systems<i>In vivo</i> imaging systems, including pre-clinical imaging systems and medical imaging systems are used to non-invasively visualize and capture images of live animals and plants. Monitor the natural processes or diseases of your subjects using small-animal pre-clinical imaging systems, including single photon positron emission tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (micro-CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray radiography, ultrasound, fluorescence and bioluminescence imagers. Multimodal systems and software solutions are also available for correlative analysis of organ, tissue, cell, or molecular-level processes. Find the best in vivo imaging products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.