The Biological Imaging Core provides state-of-the-art equipment and resources, as well as expert training and assistance, related to imaging and molecular analysis of biological tissues. This core also provides computer software for the processing and quantification of image features and provides beginner and advanced user level training to investigators.
Fees
The services and use of microscopy equipment are provided at no charge for high-priority users (NEI-R01 projects, NEI-R01 renewals and projects in preparation). For other users, a fee-for-service is applied ($25.00 per hour without manager assistance, $50.00 per hour with manager assistance). Use of histology equipment is free of charge.
Imaging: The Imaging Core is supported by NEI Core Center Grant P30 EY014801. Please cite this grant number on all publications that make use of this core.
Leadership & Management
Victor Perez, M. D. directs the Core, Valery Shestopalov, Ph.D. is Associate Director. Mr. Charles Yaros, senior manager of research support, manages the Core and assists researchers with their imaging and image analysis needs.
Resources & Location
The core is comprised of three different facilities located in the McKnight building:
Analytic Confocal Microscopy
Available equipment is a Leica Stellaris 5 Inverted Confocal Microscopy Instrumentation.
The equipment includes a Nikon Ts2R-FL inverted microscope and an Olympus microscope for high-quality imaging of cell lines and primary cultures, particularly those expressing genetically delivered fluorescent protein constructs.
The equipment includes three research grade Leica MZFL Stereomicroscopes and one Carl Zeiss Stemi SVII binocular microscope with a control PC station with fluorescence light and CCD cameras.
Macroscopic gel/blot/specimen imaging - The equipment includes multiple gel/blot/specimen imaging stations, and two luminescence/fluorescence plate readers (BMG Labtech)
Please click on the links above to go directly to information about each facility. Please contact Mr. Charles Yaros for access to the University Sharepoint Website with instrument schedules.
- Leica Stellaris 5 Inverted Confocal Microscope
Histology
The Histology portion of this core supports the preparation, embedding, sectioning, and storage of biological specimens for observation and analysis by light microscopy. The Core provides equipment for fresh, frozen, and paraffin specimen processing. Equipment for routine staining is also available, including H&E, PAS, and MT.
Use of histology equipment is free of charge. Training and protocols are provided for all users. Instruments should be reserved by contacting Mr. Charles Yaros.
Location
The Histology facility is located on the 4th floor of the McKnight building in room 409. The lab was carefully designed for efficient workflow. It contains a built-in Labconco fume hood (with blower, cabinet and work surface for staining apparatus), and 2 chemical sinks.
Equipment Located in the Histology Lab
- ATP™ Tissue Processor (# ATP1-120, Triangle Biomedical Sciences, Inc.)
- 2 Microtome Cryostats (International Equipment Company – Minotome)
- Leica Jung knife sharpener
- 2 micro optics Microtomy (Leitz #1512)
- Spencer binocular microscope (AO #926963)
- Lancer Vibratome 1000 and Vibratome 1000 Plus
- Illuminated Tissue Flotation Bath (# 80086-990, VWR)
- Paraffin Dispenser (# PD-120, Triangle Biomedical Sciences, Inc)
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Charles Yaros
Senior Manager of Research Support, Imaging Core Manager
Email: ckyaros@med.miami.edu
Phone: 305-482-4788
McKnight Vision Research Center, 1st Floor