Center for Microscopy & Advanced Imaging

An important and basic research core absolutely necessary for many programs at the USFCOM is a microscopy and imaging core. Although the COM has electron microscopes, this equipment is old and needs replacement. Thus, the USFCOM is creating a Center for Microscopy & Advanced Imaging to optimize research being conducted and enable faculty and students access to the latest technology.

The facility will have state-of-the art equipment and provide a full range of services in light, confocal, fluorescence, and electron microscopy. In addition, services for tissue preparation, embedding, sectioning, and staining, will also be available. This facility will fulfill critical needs by providing basic and translational investigators a core to process, visualize and interpret tissues in consonance with specific protocols.

In January 2005, through a generous donation from the Diane Lynn Family Foundation, in concert with the Arthritis Foundation (Florida Chapter) and the USF Office of Research, the USFCOM purchased a Leica high resolution confocal microscope. This instrument has a spectral detection system required for high sensitivity and specificity multi-color laser imaging and quantitative co-localization of molecules. In addition, the system has a single laser source that serves the needs of both standard confocal fluorescent imaging and high energy excitation required for FRET and FRAP imaging.

The Leica confocal was relocated from the Children's Research Institute in St. Petersburg to the COM microscopy facility in January 2006. Ventilation and electrical issues have arisen and the microscopy facility housing the scope is currently being reengineered. It is anticipated that the confocal will be up and running by the end of the summer.

As we are currently further developing the Center for Microscopy & Advanced Imaging, we encourage you to contact members of the Microscopy & Imaging subcommittee to provide input you may have on specific equipment that will assist you in your research endeavors. These individuals include: