The PerkinElmer IVIS Spectrum system utilises non-invasive imaging to monitor either bioluminescence or fluorescence located in targeted tumour or diseased cells. This allows for longitudinal imaging experiments to monitor progression of disease states in vivo.
The system allows for a variety of imaging area sizes and can be used with isolation imaging chambers to ensure there is no cross-contamination between experiments. For fluorescent imaging there are 12 excitation filters and 24 emission filters that can be utilised.
A supercooled CCD camera gives users highly sensitive detection with low background noise and includes camera binning options to select for enhanced resolution or enhanced sensitivity depending on the user’s requirements.
Hardware
Detection
16-bit CCD camera
- Cooled to -90˚C
- 0-65535 intensity values offers high dynamic range
- Native resolution of 1920 x 1920 pixels
- Binning options:
- Small (4x) – 480 x 480 pixels,
- Medium (8x) – 240 x 240 pixels; or
- Large (16x) – 120 x 120 pixels
Imaging area
- Adjustable field of view: 3.9, 6.5, 13.5 or 21.6 cm2
Light sources
- 150 W tungsten/halogen lamp for fluorescence
Fluorescence filters
- 12 excitation filters (430, 465, 500, 535, 570, 605, 640, 675, 710 and 745 nm)
- 24 emission filters (500, 520, 540, 560, 580, 600, 620, 640, 660, 680, 700, 720, 740, 760, 780, 800, 820 and 840 nm)
Technological specifications (capabilities)
Available modalities
- Z-stack
- Time-series
- Multi-view (rotation)
Additional options
- Tile scan possible through use of external macro
Unique features
- Patterned reference image allows for rudimentary 3D modelling of samples
- Heated stage ensures specimens are kept warm during imaging procedure
Limitations
- Fluorescence is not very sensitive
- Bioluminescent signal fluctuates over time and signal must be of a certain size to be visible
- Does not allow for single cell resolution or information regarding cellular dynamics
