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New Leica Camera for Imaging Live Cells Under Near-Native Conditions

Leica Microsystems launches sCMOS microscope camera

13 Apr 2016
Alex Waite
Editorial Assistant

Product news

Leica Microsystems launches the Leica DFC9000, a monochrome microscope camera with a highly sensitive third-generation sCMOS sensor.

The camera enables researchers to image live cells under near-native conditions, allowing them to gain a better understanding of cellular processes and dynamics.

The Leica DFC9000 features an sCMOS sensor with high quantum efficiency over the entire spectrum of light, which provides a high signal-to-noise ratio to securely detect even faint signals. Compared to the second generation sensor, the maximum quantum efficiency increased by 14%, totaling up to 82% depending on wavelength as illustrated in the graphic below. In combination with a very low noise level, this results in a crisp fluorescence signal against a dark background – an effect very much desired in high-end fluorescence live cell imaging. The high sensitivity of the camera eliminates the need to monitor GFP-overexpressing specimens and protects cells from phototoxicity. The camera acquires full-frame images at a standard rate of 50 frames per second (fps) in the USB 3.0 interface version and at 90 fps with the Camera Link interface version. Higher frame rates can be achieved with partial readout of, for example, 512 x 512 pixels with 270 fps. This means researchers will not miss any fast cellular processes.

“sCMOS cameras have become the gold standard in demanding, high-end live cell imaging. Their sensitivity and speed ensure that users can capture data even from very fast processes – with other sensors these would be lost. With the Leica DFC9000, we launch the first Leica sCMOS camera. It enables researchers to get closer to reality, because they can image live cells under near-native conditions. This camera fits many of our research microscopes perfectly: Their 19 mm camera ports are designed to take full advantage of the 19 mm sensor diagonal, making sure researchers benefit from this really large field of view,” says Markus Lusser, President of Leica Microsystems.

Microscopes from Leica Microsystems, like the inverted Leica DMi8 or the upright Leica DM6 B, offer a fully optically corrected 19 mm camera port that allows researchers to make full use of the sensor and achieve a real field of view of 19 mm over the entire imaging system.

The Leica DFC9000 is available with a USB 3.0 interface as the Leica DFC9000 GT, and with a Camera Link interface as the Leica DFC9000 GTC.

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Microplates can come tailored for a range of applications including cell culture, PCR, filtration, storage, non-binding surface, protein crystallization, as well as pre-coated, deep well and normal Standard microplates. Additionally, options for microplate colors include clear , black, white or black with clear bottom and white with clear bottom for absorbance microplate reader applications. Find the best microplates for your lab in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Microplate Readers / DetectorsMicroplate readers are used to automate the detection and analysis of labeled or label-free components in microplates during assays or live-cell monitoring. Microplate readers are generally distinguished by their mode of detection. Types include absorbance, luminescence, fluorescence intensity, fluorescence polarization, TRF / FRET and multimode microplate readers. Microplate readers deliver a high throughput of samples by reading multiple wells simultaneously, with the 96-well format the most commonly used. As a result, microplate readers are often used in the drug discovery, bioassays, research and pharmaceutical industries for screening applications. Microplate loading can also be automated, with robotic microplate stackers to increase throughput. Find the best microplate readers in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Cellular PathologyCellular Pathology deals with the microscopic analysis of tissue samples and cells. Sample preparation and processing includes fixation, staining, sectioning and slide mounting, using equipment such microtomes and cryostats. In choosing immunohistochemistry and immunocytochemistry kits, consider chromogens, staining method, antibodies, microscopes and imaging.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.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.Light MicroscopyLight microscopes or optical microscopes are used to visualize microscale objects under magnification, including cells, clinical specimens and materials. Lab equipment for light microscopy includes confocal microscopes, fluorescence microscopes, zoom and stereo microscopes. Microscope slides and imaging reagents are available for visualizing samples, as well as various microscope stages and incubators for large or temperature-sensitive samples. Find the best light microscopes in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.sCMOS CameraLive Cell ImagingLive cell imaging is the study of living cells using microscopes and high-content imaging systems. This technique provides in-depth insight into fast and complex biological processes, by allowing dynamic imaging of living cells instead of acquiring an individual image at a single point in time.Cell AnalysisThe analysis of cells allows researchers to understand the factors which contribute to cell health and function. 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