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out. 30, 2024
SMZ25 with the epi-fluorescence attachment and Nikon LED light source
Nikon Europe B.V. (Nikon) has developed epi-fluorescence attachments for stereo microscopes that can be equipped with an LED light source to be launched on October 31.
These products allow direct coupling of Nikon’s LED light source to stereo microscopes without the need for fiber optics.
Stereo microscopes are suitable for observing large samples. To observe detailed internal structures, a technique called "fluorescent observation" is used, in which features of interest are stained with fluorescent proteins such as GFP or fluorescent dyes to highlight them against a dark background. Epi-fluorescence attachments are needed to pass light from an illumination source through the objective lens for fluorescent observation.
Compared with conventional mercury light sources, LED light sources maintain stable brightness throughout long-term observation, from start-up to shutdown. This stability contributes to improving the reproducibility of studies in fields such as regenerative medicine, cancer, and neurological disorder research, where observing large samples is paramount.
In fields such as regenerative medicine and drug discovery research where it is especially important to monitor changes in cells and tissues over long periods, microscopy techniques using gentle, low-phototoxicity LED light sources have become the industry standard. Nikon's new epi-fluorescence attachments address these needs and support further advancements in science.
Product Name | Epi-fluorescence attachments for Stereo Microscopes
P2-EFLM2, P2-EFLI2, P-EFL2 |
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Release Date | October 31, 2024 |
Epi-fluorescence attachments for Stereo Microscopes: P2-EFLM2
These newly released epi-fluorescence attachments for stereo microscopes are designed to enhance the stability of fluorescence microscopy across various research fields.
Zebrafish expressing green fluorescent protein
Image courtesy of Fumi KUBO Ph.D., Hisaya KAKINUMA, Ph.D.
RIKEN Center for Brain Science
Laboratory for Sensorimotor Integration
D-LEDI Fluorescence LED illumination system attachable via these new products
The Nikon D-LEDI LED light source, which can be attached via the newly developed epi-fluorescence attachments, delivers high performance in fluorescence microscopy.
This light source device is equipped with LEDs that emit light in four different wavelengths: 385 nm, 475 nm, 550 nm, and 621 nm. Through a dedicated controller, users can operate all these wavelengths simultaneously or select specific wavelengths. Additionally, the brightness of multiple wavelengths can be easily adjusted using Nikon's NIS-Elements software. Time-lapse imaging is also supported. The product employs a natural cooling system, minimizing vibration and ensuring high-precision data acquisition, particularly during high-magnification observations, while maintaining stability. The built-in LEDs are designed to have a long life of approximately 20,000 hours, eliminating the need for frequent replacements as in the case of mercury lamps. Furthermore, the LEDs are optically aligned upon shipment, sparing users the trouble of adjustment and making them immediately user-friendly.