High-Content Imaging

Molecular Devices ImageXpress Micro Confocal

We were awarded the NIH Shared Instrumentation Grant (S10OD026899) for an upgraded high-content automated cellular imaging and analysis machine; the Molecular Devices ImageXpress Micro Confocal  (datasheet, Full Brochure) with live-cell, fluidics, transmitted light and confocal capabilities. We can now image 3D objects (resources) in an automated high-throughput fashion. We can image nearly any fluorophore with our collection of Semrock filters. See below for our filter configurations. Please reference the HTSKC and the SIG S10OD026899 when publishing papers that utilized the IXM Confocal.

Please contact us for information on the IXMicro Confocal. For key card access to the IXMicro Confocal room (CCSR-0116) use iLabs.

iLabs IXM Confocal Schedule (click here to schedule training)
View only Calendar for non-registered users

Features and Capabilities of the ImageXpress Micro Confocal

• The IXMicro Confocal contains a fully automated inverted epifluorescence microscope --  User Guide
•     Capable of scanning a 6-, 24-, 48-, 96- or 384-well microplates, slides or any other microplate sized container.
•     Can image an entire 384-well plate with multiple fluorescent images in a few minutes.
• Can rapidly quantify morphological properties through the MetaXpress analysis software (Datasheet) -- Analysis Guide using up to 36 cores with the PowerCore Server.
• Our current ImageXpress Micro Confocal configuration permits the visualization of both fixed cells and live cells, as well as 3D objects such as organoids in matrigel, spheroids, and small organisms such as C. elegans, zebrafish, and Drosophila embryos.
•     The instrument has a temperature-, humidity-, and carbon dioxide-controlled chamber.
•     Dual disk unit allowing for 3 imaging modes 
•         A) 60 micron pinhole disk for basic confocal requirements
•         B) 50 micron slit for high-throughput confocal requirements
•         C) Widefield (non-confocal) imaging mode
•     Integrated Fluidics for imaging real time kinetic events, such as channel activation, providing for simultaneous dispense and imaging.
• Can image non-fluorescent cells/objects with the transmitted light option
• Fully integrated to an external automated incubator (Thermo Cytomat 2C, 42 plates, Datasheet) to permit long-term or large-scale studies of cellular events via a robotic plate stacker (Precise Automation PF400 Microplate Handler, Datasheet, Green Button Go Automation Software, Datasheet, User Guide) thereby increasing the throughput of this workstation.
• Training provided by HTSKC staff sign up here; iLabs IXMicro Confocal Schedule
• Two MetaXpress analysis computers Analysis Computer1, Analysis Computer2 also located in CCSR-0116
• Prior to training, contact Jason Wu (x5-6004) to discuss what your imaging parameters. 

MetaXpress 6.6 Applications Modules:

Preferred Imaging Plates

Technical Information

Filter Sets

Old ImageXpress Micro Webpage