A software module from Carl Zeiss enables the real-time image capture and measurement of physiological parameters in living cells during microscopic observation (online) and afterwards (offline).
The Axiovision Physiology software captures images and measurement data along with any changes in experimental parameters.
The new module is suitable for cell biologists, neurobiologists, physiologists and electrophysiologists.
Applications include the determination of calcium concentrations or pH values through the ratiometric calculation of fluorescence images after the addition of indicators such as Fura-2 or Indo-1.
According to the company, the software also offers users an easy and reliable way to measure the change in fluorescence intensity over time of fluorescent proteins and for the FRET analysis of protein interaction.
The physiology module integrates totally with Zeiss microscopes, enabling users to plan highly flexible experiments.
In addition to the monochrome Axiocam cameras from Carl Zeiss, cameras from other manufacturers, such as Hamamatsu or Roper, are supported.
Two synchronously controlled Axiocam cameras are also supported when combined with the Carl Zeiss dual-camera module.
A number of parameters, including image-capture frequency, can be changed during the course of the experiment and the software supports external light sources, such as the Zeiss Colibri or Sutter DG4, and other external components.
The direct streaming of the camera data on the hard drive means that the technically possible image-capture rate of the cameras can be achieved without limiting the experiment duration.
Combined with the Axio Observer.A1 manual microscope, the Axiovision Physiology module makes a suitable entry-level physiological measurement station, according to the company.
The module physiology software may also be combined with the cell observer microscope system, based on the motorised Axio Observer.Z1.
The software can be combined with the Axio Examiner fixed-stage microscope for maximum flexibility and performance, according to Carl Zeiss.
