Leica Microsystems and ASI announce partnership to commercialize customizable microscope for advanced users

Leica Microsystems, a leader in microscopy and scientific instrumentation, has entered into a partnership with Applied Scientific Instrumentation (ASI) to commercialize single-objective light-sheet microscopy. The advanced system was unveiled for the first time at Cell Bio 2022 and uniquely combines gentle imaging, conventional sample preparation and high-speed volumetric imaging to capture fast dynamics in three dimensions.

The system is based on the OPM and SCAPE technologies developed by Prof. Chris Dunsby, Imperial College London and Prof. Elizabeth Hillman, Columbia University, respectively, for which Leica previously obtained exclusive licenses. In OPM, the sample is illuminated with an oblique sheet of light by using the same objective that images the plane, thus enabling standard sample mounting. It was demonstrated in multiple high-ranked publications that SCAPE provides ultimate volumetric speed for imaging calcium signalling in freely behaving organisms, such as c. elegansworms, blood flow in beating zebrafish hearts as well as large cleared and uncleared tissue sections.

Leica Microsystems has granted ASI a sub-license to these patents and is supporting the development of a commercial system.

“This exciting new Open Innovation partnership with ASI brings this cutting-edge technology into the hands of advanced research labs pushing the limits of cell biology and generating new insights,” says James O’Brien, Vice President Life Sciences at Leica Microsystems.

“This important collaboration with Leica Microsystems enables us to offer this uniquely powerful and flexible technology to advanced users,” says John Zemek, President at Applied Scientific Instrumentation. “Together, we provide an open platform ready for customization while significantly lowering the challenges that are intrinsic to the assembly of a single-objective light-sheet microscope.”

Cell Bio 2022 is the joint annual meeting of the American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) and European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) showcasing a diverse global community of the brightest minds in cell biology. The meeting focuses on cell biology as the fundamental basis of biology as well as sessions on emerging interdisciplinary topics.

About Leica Microsystems

Leica Microsystems develops and manufactures microscopes and scientific instruments for the analysis of microstructures and nanostructures. Ever since the company started as a family business in the nineteenth century, its instruments have been widely recognized for their optical precision and innovative technology. It is one of the market leaders in compound and stereo microscopy, digital microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy with related imaging systems, electron microscopy sample preparation, and surgical microscopes.

Leica Microsystems has six major plants and product development sites around the world. The company is represented in over 100 countries, has sales and service organizations in 20 countries, and an international network of distribution partners. Its headquarters are located in Wetzlar, Germany.

About Applied Scientific Instrumentation

Applied Scientific Instrumentation, Inc. (ASI) is a company committed to the advancement of science. Our engineers and technicians have years of experience in aiding researchers with their technical needs. Our product line of devices for microscope automation and imaging represents the best technology available. Established in 1990, our product line has evolved out of an interactive process between our engineers and the dedicated researchers, whom we work with throughout the world. Our products have been thoroughly tested and evaluated in numerous labs worldwide to ensure the integrity of your research. We are constantly improving our products as well as identifying and developing new designs to meet the current and future demand of scientific studies. We value your input to this process and would like to hear about any special requirements, feedback, or technical problems that we could help solve. Whether it is a complete system for a complex experiment, automation devices for increasing throughput, or inspection systems to catch defects and increase production, Applied Scientific Instrumentation, Inc. has the products, professionals, and partners to provide well-engineered solutions for you.

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