The Bioimaging Unit acts as a support structure to help and nurture research done with Light Microscopy inside the institute. Besides managing high-end resources that include multi-photon, point-scanning confocal, spinning disk confocal, light-sheet and widefield systems, we sit with researchers to teach, train, and assist in microscopy and image analysis and processing, focusing on people and their questions.
We provide iMM scientists and visitors with excellence in scientific know-how and expertise in using light microscopy methods for their research, in a personalized approach. We assist in planning microscopy-oriented projects, choosing materials and equipment, acquiring microscopy data, analyzing experimental results, processing acquired images and presenting data.
We develop image analysis and processing tools for microscopy data. Together with continuous training of new users, we organize courses and workshops to introduce users to the most recent microscopy techniques.
More Information:
Systems
The Bioimaging systems are available on the online booking system for trained researchers 7 days a week and 24 hours per day. Training in each system is mandatory for independent usage, even for researchers with previous microscopy experience.
Spinning Disk Confocal Microscopes
- 3i Marianas SDC - inverted spinning disk confocal microscope with motorized stage, piezo and EM-CCD
- Zeiss Cell Observer SD - inverted spinning disk confocal microscope with motorized stage, piezo, Definite Focus and EM-CCD
Point Scanning Confocal Microscopes
- Zeiss LSM 980 - inverted confocal microscope with Airyscan 2 detector, Definite Focus, motorized stage and large cage incubator
- Zeiss LSM 880 - inverted confocal microscope with Airyscan detector, Definite Focus, motorized stage and large cage incubator
- Zeiss LSM 710 - inverted confocal microscope with large cage incubator
Multi-photon Microscope
- Leica SP8 MP - upright multiphoton microscope with dual pulsed laser
Light Sheet Fluorescence Microscopes
- Zeiss Lightsheet Z1 - lightsheet microscope prepared for water and clearing media immersion imaging
Widefield Fluorescence Microscopes
- Zeiss Celldiscoverer 7 - fully integrated and motorized high-end inverted widefield fluorescence imaging system, ideal for automated live-cell imaging in multi-well plates and Petri dishes, equipped with Definite Focus and incubation, prepared for guided acquisition
- Zeiss Cell Observer - motorized inverted fluorescence widefield microscope with Definite Focus, motorized stage and large cage incubator
- Nikon Eclipse Ti - motorized inverted fluorescence widefield microscope with motorized stage and stage-top incubator
- Zeiss Axiovert 200M - motorized inverted fluorescence widefield microscope with motorized stage
Fluorescence Stereo Microscopes
Brightfield Microscopes
Other Imaging Systems
- IVIS Lumina - bioluminescent / fluorescent imaging system
Workstations
Prices
We charge according to booked time in each microscopy system. Online booking is mandatory for each usage session and cancellations are allowed if they are made prior to reserved time. Users that do not show up at their booked sessions will be charged in full.
How to use the service
The Bioimaging Unit systems are available to iMM researchers and external users.
All users must be registered in Agendo, our online booking system. If you are not registered yet, please follow the instructions for iMMers or for external users.
After registration, please contact the Bioimaging Unit (imm-bioimaging@medicina.ulisboa.pt) for a consultation to determine the most appropriate microscope for your needs and to discuss experimental strategies.
Depending on your usage frequency and imaging needs, we will either train you to become fully independent in a microscope or assist you in image acquisition. Only trained users are allowed to book independent sessions on a microscope.
We can also assist with image analysis and processing and in writing materials and methods for a manuscript with microscopy data.
Please check our Policies.
Software
Image Analysis and Processing software developed by the Bioimaging Unit:
- STaQTool - Spot Tracking and Quantification Tool - Track diffraction-limited spots in 2D or 3D time-lapse sequences; Quantify total fluorescence intensity with Gaussian fitting; Detect single events of fluorescence gain and loss
- Cell Counter L*a*b* - Count cells with specific nuclear and cytoplasmic staining in color images (immunohistochemical staining)
- Cell Counter L*a*b* 2 - Count 2 different cell populations with blue and brown staining in color images (immunohistochemical staining)
- Multichannel Cell Counter CZI - Count cells with specific fluorescent labelling combinations - CZI files
- Multichannel Cell Counter LSM - Count cells with specific fluorescent labelling combinations - LSM files
- Multichannel Cell Counter RGB - Count cells with specific fluorescent labelling combinations - RGB TIF files
- Multichannel Cell Counter 4TIFF - Count cells with specific fluorescent labelling combinations - 4 TIF files
How to acknowledge us
If you used our services, please acknowledge us in publications or other formal presentations. This is one of our key performance indicators and very important for future funding. You are welcome to use the following examples:
Materials and Methods: “Microscopy experiments were performed at the Bioimaging Unit of Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes.”
Acknowledgements: “We would like to thank the Bioimaging Unit of Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes for their technical support. We also acknowledge the funding PPBI-POCI-01-0145-FEDER-022122.”
Thank you!