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PlasDIC Fantastic & the new Axiovert 40 |
Microscopy of thick, living objects is often fraught with problems. As we've already seen with the ApoTome system though, advanced technology and optical design do have answers.
ApoTome attacks the twin related problems of resolution and contrast in conventional fluorescence microscopy. However, observation of thick specimens, such as cell clusters and tissue, with phase contrast techniques is problematic. The 'halo' effect that obscures detail within the cells is seen in the top image on the right.
With the launch of PlasDIC, Carl Zeiss introduces the first differential interference contrast method to allow the use of plastic culture vessels for microscopic examinations. For the first time, routine observations in plastic dishes is clear and unambiguous (the lower image on the right is the identical field under PlasDIC).
This latest innovation from Zeiss eliminates the need to use expensive and labour intensive glass dishes and allows cell and molecular biologists to culture cells under optimum conditions.
Unlike the costly Nomarski DIC method, which relies on culture plates with glass bottoms and has a narrow depth of focus, PlasDIC works without a special condenser or compensation prism (Figure 1). Contrast is easily adjusted using the PlasDIC slider and the diaphragm does not need to be centred or changed after changing the objective.
Routine observation of living cells
PlasDIC greatly enhances the routine observations of living objects, especially those that lie in thick proximity or form groups and which account for approximately 85-95% of a cell’s image information. It also has important implications for micromanipulation treatments such as Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI). PlasDIC makes ICSI more secure and accurate because the high depth of focus gives better recognition of cell details, providing sufficient information for an optimum overview and safe micromanipulation. More information is available on a special ICSI application note that can be downloaded here (182K).
Axiovert 40 - the Perfect Partner
 Our new Axiovert 40 microscope is designed to bring uncompromisingly brilliant images to routine observations where large quantities of samples must be screened quickly and cost-efficiently. The new instrument is ideal for cell and molecular biology laboratories, universities and pharmaceutical companies that until now have had to compromise on resolution in their routine examinations, particularly with thick cell specimens.
It's the perfect partner for PlasDIC with brightfield and phase contrast also on offer. Additionally, a new 3-position Push&Click reflector mount is available for fluorescent examinations, further reducing stray light elimination and enhancing operating convenience.
Another plus for high-throughput lab work is a sliding condenser that allows the user to easily adapt the microscope for large and small containers. The eyepieces can be quickly adjusted to two viewing heights, giving extra comfort for users and digital imaging easily captured through the convenient front-mounted camera port.
You can click on the following links for more information on Axiovert 40 or PlasDIC, or the Axiovert 200 inverted microscope which can also accept the PlasDIC system. For more information on any of our microscopy products and systems, please visit our website, call us on 08-459 25 00, or email
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