Leica Stellaris Confocal for a Campus-wide Shared Resource - Title: Leica Stellaris confocal for a campus-wide shared resource
Lisa A. Cameron
Project Summary/Abstract:
This shared instrumentation grant is for a new Leica Stellaris 8 confocal microscope with
fluorescence lifetime capabilities to advance biomedical research across many departments. To
facilitate implementation and assistance, the system will be centrally located and managed by
the Duke University Light Microscopy Core Facility (LMCF). The advancements in technology of
the Leica Stellaris 8 including the broad range white light laser, improved sensitivity and
expanded wavelength detection range of the improved HyD detectors, and option for use of
fluorophore lifetime information called “Tau-Sense” has made the Leica confocal the leading
confocal technology on the market. In addition to bringing new technology to Duke University
researchers, this system will replace a sixteen-year-old Leica SP5 which is no longer covered
by service contract. The LMCF is the only campus-wide light microscopy recharge facility on
campus and has a 15 year history of supporting the Duke University community. Researchers
from Immunology, Biomedical Engineering, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Neurobiology,
and Pharmacology and Cancer Biology will specifically benefit from this Leica Stellaris 8
system. The user group and the LMCF staff has experience and expertise with similar Leica
confocal models and fluorescence lifetime. The LMCF core staff has extensive expertise with
laser scanning confocal systems from Leica and other manufacturers and trained users are well
prepared to effectively implement this method for an important array of basic and translational
research including cell biology of endocytosis, development and behavior of cardiac myocytes,
and potential treatments for pathogen infections. Each of the research projects will have human
health related impacts as outlined in the research plans. The new confocal microscope will
integrate into the LMCF shared resource at Duke with a well-established and well-supported
infrastructure for providing training, assistance and long-term support. The Duke University
Office of Research will continue to provide substantial support for the new requested equipment
and ongoing support for the operation and advancement of the Light Microscopy Core Facility.
