Services and Technical capabilities

Whether you are studying cell biology, neuroscience, developmental biology, or any other field in biology that requires imaging, our facility has the tools and expertise to help you achieve your research goals.

Information and Advice

Expert guidance on imaging techniques and experimental design to ensure optimal results for your research.

Training

Comprehensive theoretical and hands-on training in microscope operation, sample preparation, and data analysis, from basic concepts to advanced techniques.

Widefield Microscopy

Advanced widefield services including fluorescence, brightfield, polarized light microscopy, and DIC, with automated imaging capabilities.

Confocal Microscopy

High-resolution imaging of fluorescently labeled samples with multi-color imaging, time-lapse, and 3D reconstruction capabilities.

Super-Resolution Microscopy

High resolution imaging for insights into sub-cellular structures and dynamics beyond traditional microscopy limits.

Light Sheet Microscopy (MesoSPIM)

State-of-the-art mesoscale imaging with our MesoSPIM system, enabling fast 3D imaging of large samples with minimal photodamage. Perfect for developmental biology, neuroscience, and whole-organ imaging.

Image Analysis

Comprehensive analysis solutions for 2D/3D microscopy data, including quantitative analysis and publication-ready figures.

Imaging Technologies

Different modalities for different specimens.

  • Transmitted light imaging
  • Brightfield, darkfield, polarized light and DIC
  • Color imaging (eg H&E staining)
  • Widefield
  • scanning confocal
  • 2 photon
  • spinning disk confocal
Advanced Capabilities
  • Live-cell imaging with widefield or spinning disk confocal microscope
  • Temperature, humidity and CO2 regulation
  • FRAP and Photoactivation/conversion
  • 3D measurements and rendering
Analysis Capabilities (1)

Advanced Software Suite

  • Image processing, analysis and quantification
  • Object tracking and segmentation
  • Deconvolution software: Huygens, Zen, NIS elements, Imaris and FIJI
  • 3D visualization and analysis: Amira (for advanced 3D reconstruction and analysis) and syGlass (for virtual reality visualization)
Analysis Capabilities (2)

3 high-performance workstations equipped with:

  • Powerful GPUs for rapid 3D rendering
  • Large RAM capacity for handling complex datasets
  • High-resolution displays for detailed image analysis

From Experiment Planning to Publication: User Support and Communication

The Light Microscopy Facility (LMF) provides comprehensive support throughout your entire research journey. Our partnership with users extends from initial experimental design through to publication. Our collaborative approach ensures optimal results at every step::

Initial Consultation

  • Expert guidance on microscopy techniques
  • Experimental design optimization
  • Strategic planning for your research goals

Training and Validation

  • Personalized theoretical and practical training
  • Hands-on instrument operation
  • Quality control and validation of imaging methods

Ongoing Support

  • Continuous communication throughout your project
  • Technical assistance when needed
  • Optimization of imaging parameters and protocols
  • Regular check-ins to ensure optimal results

Data Analysis and Publication

  • Support for image processing and analysis
  • Guidance on data presentation
  • Help with figure preparation for publications
Our commitment is to ensure all experiments meet the highest standards of quality and reproducibility while complying with relevant regulations and ethical guidelines. Through this structured workflow, we aim to maximize the success of your research projects.

Examples of projects completed

We have completed numerous projects for researchers across various fields of study. Our advanced equipment and skilled staff have enabled us to provide high-quality imaging and analysis services for a range of applications. Here are a few examples of the projects we have completed:

project one

Tissue Analysis and Protein Expression

  • Project highlight: “Developing a tissue-specific quantitative assay for protein expression in C. elegans using fluorescence microscopy and image analysis
  • Details: Development and application of O-propargyl-puromycin (OPP) assay
  • Publication: Cell Reports Methods, 2022
  • Key techniques: Confocal microscopy, tissue segmentation, quantitative analysis
project Two

Development Studies

  • Project focus: Live imaging and quantification of condensates in C. elegans germ granules
  • Techniques: Super-resolution imaging, multi-channel acquisition
  • Publications contributed to breakthrough research in developmental biology
project Three

Image Analysis

  • Custom scripts and automation for high-throughput analysis
  • Specialized workflows for deconvolution and 3D reconstruction
  • Advanced image processing pipelines

Contact fbonnet@mdibl.org today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your research goals. We look forward to working with you and unlocking the mysteries of the microscopic world together!