Software provides multi-channel unmixing capability for confocal microscope systems to eliminate signal crosstalk, a problem facing researchers using multiple fluorescent labels
One of the most recalcitrant problems facing researchers using multiple fluorescent labels is the inability of standard confocal microscope systems to distinguish between the emission spectra of closely overlapping dyes.
Known as signal crosstalk, the artefacts created have hampered research using fluorescent proteins in particular.
A new software pack from Carl Zeiss eliminates the problem for its award-winning LSM range of microscopes.
Called 3.2 Add-on, it provides multi-channel unmixing capabilities to separate spectrally overlapping fluorescent labels in biological specimens.
Multi-channel unmixing uses different detectors to simultaneously detect up to three different fluorescent signals.
It then calculates the distribution of fluorescent signals in the specimen by comparing the relative signal intensities for each image pixel, enabling users to visualise complex combinations of fluorescence dyes.
The new software also extends the possibilities of detecting spectral signatures of fluorescent markers in multi-photon microscopy, particularly in research using live animals, which is the technique's main application.
In excitation fingerprinting mode, the software controls the wavelength of the multi-photon laser of the LSM 510 NLO and LSM 510 Meta NLO and also automatically adjusts the signal detection system.
For users, it means that there are virtually no restrictions on their choice of fluorescent dyes.
Release 3.2 Add On enables all systems in the LSM 5 range to benefit from the advantages of un-mixing spectral data in multifluorescent labels.
This supplements the current methods of filter-based separation of signals with techniques that provide biomedical researchers even more detection possibilities.
The LSM range consists of the LSM 510, LSM 510 NLO and the LSM 5 Pascal.
