Elyra P1 microscope

The Elyra P1 microscope is an imaging system that can used to explore the cellular structures at nano level. The system is currently hosted by the research group Diabetes – Islet Patophysiology at Lund University Diabetes Centre (LUDC). The system may also be used by other research groups at LUDC and Lund University based on approval.

Short description of the system

The Elyra P1 system is an inverted microscope equipped with a 100× oil-immersion objective lens (NA 1.46) and configured for ultra total internal reflection fluorescence (uTIRF) imaging. Samples are mounted in a ZEISS level-adjustable insert holder and positioned on a piezo stage with an active focus lock system. The focal plane and imaging region are determined using transmitted light or UV illumination.

Fluorescent dyes are excited by laser lines at 488 nm, 543 nm, and 633 nm, with corresponding emission filters selected according to each dye – Alexa 488 (BP 495–550), Alexa 546 (BP 570–620), and Alexa 647 (LP 655). Images are recorded with an electron-multiplying charge-coupled device (EMCCD) camera (iXon DU897, Andor) at a frame size with 256 × 256 pixels.

The system is suitable for analysing imaging intracellular structures with clear patterns. The image resolution can be reached at less than 20 nm for typical intracellular structures.

Access to the system

This system is available for users at LUDC, Lund University as well as external ursers. The Elyra P1 microscope is located at CRC in Malmö and users need granted permission to enter the room. All users must undergo a tutorial in order to use the system and sign an agreement. Please contact Enming Zhang, research group leader of Diabetes – Islet Patophysiology, for more information about access and tutorial. 

Charges and user fees

We aim to cover service and running costs by charging users an hourly fee. 

User fees 

Users at Lund University: 1,000 SEK/hour
External users: 2,200 SEK/hour

Additional fees for assistance 

We will charge an additional 1,000 SEK per hour for assistance with imaging operation and analysis. Users new to the system will need about ten hours of training.

We will charge an additional 2,000 SEK/hour for assistance (external users).

The assistance fee can be negotiated for users who are collaborating with the research group Diabetes – Islet Patophysiology on certain projects.

Acknowledgement

The system was purchased with support from the Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation.