Bruker's Acquifer Imaging Machine (IM) is a fully automated widefield microscope that can perform brightfield and fluorescence imaging on various materials. This technology is ideal for high-content and phenotypic screening of small-model organisms due to its complete data storage and processing capabilities.
The combination of a static sample container and mobile optical unit provides stability during imaging, making it excellent for imaging motion-sensitive samples like non-adherent cell cultures or embryos.
The IM system has unique features, including temperature regulation, a robotic lid, and an open interface. The seamless integration with automated workflows enables researchers to conduct sophisticated time-lapse studies, screening, and high-throughput imaging tests.
Only Acquifer IM Provides:
Intuitive Design and Use
- Adaptive feedback microscopy
- Software and workflow for imaging automatically centered samples and visualizing enormous screening datasets
- Effortless configuration of imaging experiments
Sample-Centered Approach
- Built-in temperature control (20 to 40 °C) with ± 0.5 °C homogeneity over whole plate and over time
- Optimal imaging conditions for sensitive specimens and long-term observations
- Uniblock optical design moves to your sample while your sample remains stationary
Organoid imaging: Fish-derived organoids differentiating into retinal tissue (green). Image Credit: Venera Weinhardt. Zilova et al., 2021. Image reproduced under CC BY 4.0 DEED.
Tissue section of mouse kidney. Image Credit: Maria Bartosova, Uniklinikum Heidelberg, Germany.
Optimized Control for Fragile Samples
Unparalleled Live-Sample Imaging
Automated timelapse microscopy: HeLa cells with H2B-mCherry imaged every 30 minutes for 48 hours. Image Credit: ALMF, EMBL.
To achieve precise live-sample imaging, the sample chamber temperature is tightly regulated. The temperature control mechanisms are engineered for long-term stability and to minimize gradients across the plate.
Versatile Application
Screening workflows for various assay requirements: Cell culture (left) and a zebrafish xenograft assay (right). Image Credit: Arwin Groenewould.
The versatile and user-friendly machine control and assay configuration accommodates a wide range of specimens, from whole organisms and microorganisms to cell monolayers, stem cells, organoids, spheroids, and tissues.
Supervised Feedback Microscopy
The Plate-Viewer software allows for the easy visualization of low-magnification pre-screen data of a full microtiter plate. Various tools and matching algorithms facilitate the selection of regions of interest for each well and ensure robust localization of target structures.
Add-On Photo Manipulation
Automated photomanipulation: GFP-positive distal pronephros of a cdh17:egfp transgenic zebrafish with annotated region of interest (left) and after photodamaging (right). Image Credit: Bruker Nano Surfaces and Metrology
This optional hardware upgrade allows for automated photodamaging of cells and tissues, switching of convertible fluorophores, uncaging compounds, and optogenetic investigations.
Automated Centering
Three-day-old embryo of the epi:GFP;myl7mR transgenic line. Zebrafish embryos visualized in Plate-Viewer software after automated region of interest selection. Image Credit: Bruker Nano Surfaces and Metrology
Red bounding box indicates field of view of a 10× objective used for subsequent high-resolution imaging. Image Credit: Bruker Nano Surfaces and Metrology
Single Z-plane of a high-resolution dataset automatically acquired by the IM. Image Credit: Nadia Mercader, Uni Bern.
The Acquifer IM Advantage
Advanced Control
- Embedded real-time controller ensures lag-free operation and optimized experiments
- Workflow control tools provide automated centering and imaging of regions of interest
- Motorized lid enables robot-ready operation
Intuitive Imaging Protocols
- Intuitive configuration of imaging protocols provides supervised feedback microscopy experiments
- User-friendly software allows for precise control of experiments
- The open developer interface features built-in scripting support and remote control via TCP/IP
Production-Engineered Hardware Design
- Friction-free linear motor technology offers maximum reliability and precision
- Precision Z-focus provides long-range 30 mm Z-travel / 80 nm repeatability
- Precise X-Y optics movement delivers repeatability
Integrated Benchtop System Design
- Bruker’s Acquifer software provides users with full control of system
- The lack of manual controls on the device prevents any unwanted changes
- Smooth finished design bypasses the need for a microscopy room
Customized Flexibility
- LED illumination with up to 6 channels, ranging from 385 nm to 625 nm
- Long-working-distance objectives provide magnification from 2x to 40x
- Temperature control (20 to 40 °C) with ± 0.5 °C homogeneity over whole plate and over time