The Imaging Facility at The University of Southern Mississippi provides imaging and microscopy expertise to researchers throughout the state. The Imaging Facility offers access to and training on imaging and biomedical research equipment at no cost to users. The facility houses several microscopes, including two scanning confocal systems, as well as a variety of genomic and proteomic instruments. The Imaging Facility also offers data acquisition and analysis services to Mississippi researchers.
Contact Imaging Facility Director Dr. Nikki Camlin at nicole.camlin@usm.edu or call 601.266.6644 for more information.
Equipment List
| Image | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
 | Leica STELLARIS STED Super-Resolution Confocal Microscope | The Leica STELLARIS super-resolution confocal microscope is capable of sub 50nm 2D and 3D nanoscopy using STimulated Emission Depletion (STED) and a pulsed 775nm laser. The STELLARIS platform can perform intensity imaging as well as generate fluorescence lifetime information. The instrument has a 405nm LED laser and a white light laser with tunable excitation from 485nm to 685nm, allowing for excitation from UV to deep red. The system has four HyD detectors capable of analog, photon counting, and digital mode detection for the greatest sensitivity and spectral range. Conventional and resonant scanning options are available for rapid low light illumination imaging, ideal for live specimens. The microscope is equipped with an automated motorized stage with upgraded software for expanded view image stitching options, 3D modeling, FRAP and co-localization. Additionally, the instrument is outfitted with an Okolab CO2 chamber for long term mammalian tissue culture imaging. |
 | Nikon ECLIPSE 80i Fluorescence Microscope | The Nikon Eclipse 80i is built for optimal digital imaging, ergonomics, and versatility of digital research microscopy. Concentrating on stability and mechanical precision, the Eclipse 80i incorporates wide spectrum violet corrected plan Apo optics, and offers the widest range of research configurations obtainable. |
 | Leica M165 FC Stereomicroscope | The Leica M165 FC Stereomicroscope combines a large zoom range and high-resolution performance in a single system, enabling a broad range of research tasks with just one microscope. Leica M165 FC provides detailed imaging of structures down to 1.1 micron, and the TripleBeam technology enhances image contrast, details and intensity. The Leica LAS software allows for convenient reproduction of image settings and parameters for fast, consistent, high quality observation. |
 | Leica DM IL LED Fluo | The Leica DM IL LED Fluo SE inverted microscope is useful for any application requiring fluorescence techniques in living specimens. The system has LED illumination, which minimizes heat development on the sample. The Leica DM IL has high stability, plenty of space for operation, and large working distances. |
 | Sutter XenoWorks Digital Microinjection System | The XenoWorks Digital Microinjection System is designed for a diverse set of applications. The system includes two joystick operated micromanipulation arms, which provide exceptional mechanical stability, sensitivity, and range of movement. The microinjector is capable of precise manipulation of cells, employing two pressure ports - one for holding suspended cells and a second for both high-pressure injection and gentle positive/negative pressure. Injection duration and pressure are easily selectable on the remote interface. A built-in compressor also removes the need for an external pressure supply. |
 | BioRad ChemiDoc MP Gel Documentation System | The ChemiDoc MP system is a full-feature instrument for gel and western blot imaging. It is designed to address multiplex fluorescent western blotting, chemiluminescence detection, and general gel documentation applications. Its features are based on CCD high-resolution, high-sensitivity detection technology, and modular options to accommodate a wide range of sample types and detection methods. The system is controlled by Image Lab™ software to optimize performance for fast, integrated, and automated image capture and analysis. |
 | GE Typhoon FLA7000 | The GE Typhoon FLA7000 is a variable mode laser scanner. The instrument offers high speed and resolution for precise quantitation of proteins, nucleic acids, and radioisotopic labels. Using predefined methods, the system can image a sample measuring 24 x 40 cm in 2.5 minutes, offering high throughput for the multiuser lab environment. The system provides several imaging modes, including fluorescence, chemifluorescence, filmless autoradiography, and digitization of stained samples. |
 | Syngene GeneGnome XRQ | The Syngene GeneGnome XRQ is a dedicated chemiluminescence imager. A simple set-up process allows for one click auto-capture of quality western blot images. The compact instrument is built for high performance and automation, featuring a high quantum efficiency CCD camera. The GeneGnome XRQ also has an integrated white light for capture of colorimetric markers. |
 | SpectraMax M3 Microplate Reader | The M3 microplate reader provides dual monochromatic optics, allowing for a wide range of applications from UV-visible absorbance to HTRF. Fluorescence intensity is also standard with spectral scanning in 1nm increments across the wavelength range, and up to 4 wavelength pairs per protocol. Spectramax M3 runs SoftMax® Pro Data Acquisition & Analysis Software. |
 | Biotek Synergy™ H1 Microplate Reader | The Biotek Synergy™ H1 is a flexible monochromator-based multi-mode microplate reader. This system supports top and bottom fluorescence intensity, UV-visible absorbance, and high performance luminescence detection. The instrument allows for the control and monitoring of CO2 and O2 levels, temperature, and orbital shaking within the chamber to create the ideal physiological environment for live-cell assays. |
 | Invitrogen Countess II FL Automated Cell Counter | The Countess II FL Automated Cell Counter is a benchtop platform equipped with state-of-the-art optics, full autofocus, and image analysis software for rapid assessment of cells in suspension. The instrument is capable of cell counts, monitoring fluorescent protein expression, evaluating apoptosis, and measuring cell viability. Cells from 4-60μm can be analyzed in as little as 10 seconds in three channels: brightfield, GFP, and RFP. |
 | Lonza 4D-Nucleofector Electroporation System | The Lonza 4D-Nucleofector™ system allows for electroporation in primary cells, stem cells, and hard to transfect cell lines. The instrument allows for high efficiencies of up to 99% transfection success independent from any cell proliferation. The comprehensive way in which the Nucleofector programs and cell type-specific solutions are developed allows nucleic acid substrate delivery through the nuclear membrane and into the nucleus. |
 | BD LSRFortessa Cell Analyzer | The BD LSRFortessa cell analyzer provides power, performance, and consistency. The BD LSRFortessa has the flexibility to support multicolor flow cytometry assays, and contains blue and red lasers allowing for multiple lines of excitation. The instrument provides flexibility in laser wavelength, allowing assay design optimization using the latest fluorescent dyes and substrates. The instrument can accommodate detection of up to 18 colors simultaneously with a defined set of optical filters that exceed the majority of assay requirements. |
 | NanoDrop OneC | The NanoDrop OneC UV/Vis Spectrophotometer allows accurate and reproducible quantitation of DNA, RNA and protein samples with only 1-2μL volumes. Full spectral data can be obtained within seconds, and auto-blank/auto-measure modes save time while measuring DNA concentrations up to 27,500ng/μL. The Nanodrop OneC can identify contaminants in the measured samples, and use this to provide corrected DNA concentrations. The NanoDrop OneC also has a cuvette position with temperature control and sample agitation. |
 | BioRad T100 Thermal Cycler | The T100 thermal cycler is a compact thermal cycler offering a comprehensive set of convenient features. The instrument features an intuitive touch-screen user interface, thermal gradient technology, and easy protocol management through its digital touchscreen display. |
 | Agilent Bioanalyzer 2100 | The Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer improves DNA, RNA and Protein analysis through accurate and reproducible sizing and quantitation, as well as rapid visualization of sample quality. The instrument provides high sensitivity with only a small amount of sample, high throughput (10 to 12 samples in 30 minutes), and easy comparison/sharing of sample data. |
 | Beckman Coulter Optima™ XPN-80 Ultracentrifuge | The Optima XPN is an energy efficient premier ultracentrifuge. The Optima XPN has an 80,000rpm capability, and boasts additional enhancements that simplify use, optimize control and security, and increase productivity. The instrument has an intelligent user interface, as well as networking and remote control capabilities. |
 | Beckman Coulter Optima MAX-XP Ultracentrifuge | The Optima MAX-XP Ultracentrifuge delivers fast, efficient separations from samples as small as 175µL up to 32.4mL. The Optima runs at speeds up to 150,000rpm and more than 1,000,000 x g, yet is designed for quiet operation. The instrument is intuitive to operate, compact, versatile, and has sophisticated software in multiple languages |
 | Beckman Coulter Avanti J26S XPI Centrifuge | The Avanti J-26S series is a high performance centrifuge system. Features of the instrument include high speed, low heat output, imbalance tolerance, and low noise. The Avanti J-26S is sustainable, easy-to-use, versatile, and safe. |
 | Sakura Tissue-Tek Cyro3 Cryostat | The Tissue-Tek® Cryostat provides superior sections from 1 to 99µm in 1µm increments. The instrument uses a temperature-controlled blade holder and has 360° specimen orientation. A color-touch LCD screen provides a visual display of critical information, such as chamber temperature, section thickness, and trimming thickness. |
 | Leica RM2125 RTS Microtome | The Leica RM2125 RTS manual microtome comes equipped with an 8” orientation system and a quick-change system for specimen clamps, allowing for rapid sample placement and exchange. The adjustable settings allow for section thicknesses ranging from 0.5-60μm. The RM2125 RTS sectioning wheel is counter balanced, which leads to smooth and even sectioning. |
 | Diagenode BioRuptor Pico Sonicator | The Bioruptor® Pico is the latest innovation in shearing, representing a new breakthrough as an all-in-one shearing system. The instrument is optimized for shearing volumes ranging from as little as 5µL up to 2mL. This wide range enables a large variety of applications, such as DNA shearing for Next-Generation Sequencing library preparation, RNA shearing, chromatin shearing, protein extraction from tissues and cells, and FFPE DNA extraction. |
 | Savant SPD111V SpeedVac Evaporator & Concentrator | The Savant SPD 111V is a speed evaporator and concentrator for standard evaporation of samples. The universal vacuum system has an oil-free vacuum pump, as well as a -50oC refrigerated vapor trap. |
 | Labconco FreeZone Triad Freeze Dryer | The FreeZone Triad Freeze Dry System is used for sample lyophilization and freeze-drying. The instrument has four sample valves, and specimens can be run in both the chamber and sample valves simultaneously. The chamber pre-freezes samples to save money and time, eliminating the need for a separate freezer and product transfer. |
 | New Brunswick Innova 44 Incubator/ Shakers | The Innova 44 Stackable Incubator Shakers are large-capacity orbital shakers, which utilize counter-balanced drive mechanisms. They provide horizontal plane rotary motion in either a 1-inch or 2-inch diameter, as well as temperature control from 4oC to 80oC. The shakers can accommodate flasks up to 5L. |
 | The QX200 Droplet Digital PCR System with AutoDG Automated Droplet Generator | The QX200 Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR™) system provides absolute quantification of target DNA or RNA molecules for EvaGreen or probe-based digital PCR applications. The QX200 Droplet Digital PCR system consists of two instruments, the QX200 droplet generator and the QX200 droplet reader, and their associated consumables to reduce bias from amplification efficiency and PCR inhibitors. The automated AutoDG Droplet Generator robot helps reduce human error and increase sample throughput. |
 | DeNovix DS-11 FX Fluorometer/Spectrophotometer | The DeNovix DS-11 FX dual fluorometer and spectrophotometer is capable of full spectrum UV-Vis analysis and fluorescence measurements, making it ideal for rapid micro-volume nucleic acid and protein quantification. The DS-11 FX has the widest dynamic range of nano-spectrophotometers, allowing for quantification from 0.75ng/uL up to 37,500ng/uL double-stranded DNA. The built-in fluorometer increases sensitivity/specificity over traditional UV-Vis concentration measurements, and can be used with all common quantification assays. |
 | Zeiss EM 900 Transmission Electron Microscope | The Zeiss EM 900 TEM is a multi-purpose electron microscope equipped with a tungsten hairpin cathode and may be operated at 50 or 80 kV. The microscope is capable of magnification up to 250,000x and resolution down to approximately 0.5nm. The instrument has a side-mounted CCD camera for digital image acquisition. |
 | BD FACSMelody Cell Sorter | The FACS instrument is used to sort cells in suspensions based on characteristics labeled with fluorescent makers. It is capable of 4-way 9-color sorting using three laser lines and has an internal air compressor and temperature regulation for optimal sample health |
 | 10X Genomics Chromium iX | The 10X Chromium iX processes and prepares samples for single cell gene expression, single cell immune profiling, and single cell fixed RNA profiling assays. It is a scalable microfluidic platform capable of attaching unique identifiers to greater than 80,000 cells per run. |
 | BioRad CFX Opus 96 Quantitative Real-Time PCR System | The CFX Opus 96 system provides high-throughput platform (n=96 samples) to perform quantitative real-time PCR. The system allows for quick set-up of runs, and the ability to monitor amplification traces in real time. The CFX96 allows up to five-target fluorescent detection and has easy to use software to calculate standard curves or fold-change between sample groups. |
Affiliate Equipment List
| Image | Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
 | Zeiss Sigma VP Field Emission G-Scanning Electron Microscope | The Zeiss VP Field Emission SEM has variable pressure modes of operation and allows imaging of non-conducting samples. High purity in-lens SE detection allows true surface imaging for crisp images of bacteria, cells, plants and organisms. |
 | Bruker Icon Atomic Force Microscope | The Bruker Icon AFM with closed loop scanner is capable of large-sample, 90- micron scans. The instrument allows for mapping surface topography and electro-mechanical properties in the nano scale using several different techniques including tapping mode, contact mode, and Peak Force. |
 | Xenocs Xeuss Small-Angle/Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering SAXS/WAXS | The Xenocs Xeuss Small-Angle/Wide-Angle X-ray Scattering SAXS/WAXS system has 2 and 10 meter configurations. The system has a Grazing-Incidence Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering Stage, and can accomidate either vacuum or air chamber. The instrument uses a microfocused Cu K-alpha x-ray source, and has Pilatus 1M and 300k detectors. |
 | CEM Liberty Blue Automated Solid Phase Peptide Synthesizer | The CEM Liberty Blue is an automated microwave peptide synthesizer designed for Fmoc solid phase peptide synthesis. It is capable of automated synthesis of a single peptide, with a standard synthesis scale of 0.005 - 5 mmol. The system contains 20 standard amino acid ports, 7 unusual amino acid ports, and 4 external ports for other reagents. |
 | CEM Prodigy Preparative HPLC | The CEM Prodigy preparative HPLC has a fully integrated heating system with pre-optimized methods for improved performance with peptide purification. The system has UV-directed fraction collection and is capable of purifying up to 1.5 grams of crude peptide per run. The Prodigy works well for simple or difficult separations, including difficult highly-hydrophobic peptides. |