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ArcturusXT™ Microdissection System

Flexible and Modular Laser Capture Microdissection

ArcturusXT Microdissection System
  • Laser Capture Microdissection and UV Laser Cutting
  • Open, Modular Platform
  • Simple, Intuitive Operation
  • Superior Image Quality
  • Sample Custody Maintained at all Times

The ArcturusXT™ system from MDS Analytical Technologies is a unique microdissection instrument that combines Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) and Ultraviolet (UV) Laser Cutting in one platform. The open, modular design of the ArcturusXT system provides unparalleled research flexibility and versatility. The system removes the guesswork from the microdissection process by allowing researchers to maintain custody of the sample throughout the experiment, ensuring that only the desired material has been collected.

A Unique Offering of Laser Capture and Laser Cutting Microdissection

The solid-state IR laser, exclusive to MDS Analytical Technologies’ microdissection, delivers a gentle capture technique, which preserves biomolecular integrity and is ideal for single cells and small numbers of cells. The solid-state UV laser delivers unprecedented speed and precision, well-suited for microdissecting dense tissue structures and for capturing large numbers of cells.

Flexible to Fit Your Needs

The ArcturusXT microdissection instrument is modularized to suit any dynamic research need. The system utilizes a Nikon Eclipse Ti-E inverted research microscope with a variety of options available at the time of purchase or post-purchase. Each instrument has IR-enabled LCM, an interactive pen-display monitor, and a trackball actuated stage for easy and ergonomic navigation. The system may be configured with LED brightfield illumination or high-intensity halogen illumination, enabling Phase Contrast and Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) microscopy applications. The ArcturusXT system may be purchased with or without UV laser cutting and attenuable fluorescence. A wide range of objectives are available, including 2X–100X Dry, and 100X Oil (see back page for complete list). For ultimate image quality and analysis, a high-resolution megapixel camera may be added, which includes the MetaVue® imaging system. A second flatscreen monitor may be included for maximum workstation efficiency.

Simplified Workflow Through Streamlined User Interface


ArcturusXT Simplified Workflow Through Streamlined User Interface
Harvest single cells or tens of thousands of cells in seconds.

ArcturusXT Simplified Workflow Through Streamlined User Interface

Operation Made Easy

The simple, intuitive user interface places the focus on research. From sample loading to extraction of biomolecules, the uncomplicated workflow maximizes experimental efficiency.

Never Lose Track of Your Sample

Automatic electronic documentation may be employed to record each step of the process— before and after microdissection. Static images and live video can be taken at any point during the process, providing a record of the entire experiment. View the CapSure® LCM cap at the QC station for positive identification of captured material, and utilize Capture Groups to display and track all individual and group area measurements

Automate Image Analysis

The AutoScanXT™ image analysis software module automatically identifies cells and regions based on user-defined criteria, greatly reducing the overall time required to perform a microdissection experiment. This optional module performs optimally on high-contrast samples and may be used with colorimetric, fluorescence, and IHCstained specimens. Once the regions have been automatically identified, the user proceeds directly to standard microdissection using the ArcturusXT instrument.

Unprecedented Research Flexibility


ArcturusXT Simplified Workflow Through Streamlined User Interface
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ArcturusXT Simplified Workflow Through Streamlined User Interface

Ultimate Flexibility in Sample Source and Preparation

The unique combination of IR laser capture and UV laser cutting permits the use of any slide type and any sample preparation. Choose from glass, glass membrane or framed membrane slides for contact or non-contact microdissection. Any specimen preparation may be used:

  • thin or thick sections
  • frozen or formalin-fixed tissues
  • chromogenic stained, fluorescently stained, or
    unstained sections
  • hydrated or dehydrated specimens
  • fine needle aspirates
  • forensic smears
  • live plant whole-mount preparations
  • cell cultures

Expansion Options

The ArcturusXT system’s open platform can be upgraded and expanded to meet changing research requirements. The available microscope port allows users to modify the system for alternate applications, such as adding a second camera for high-resolution imaging. The open system design also makes possible the easy exchange of stage inserts to accommodate future assay formats and can be equipped with an environmental control chamber, providing optimal conditions for live cell and cell culture applications.

Rapidly Isolate Pure Cell Populations for Microgenomic Analysis


ArcturusXT Simplified Workflow Through Streamlined User Interface
.

ArcturusXT Simplified Workflow Through Streamlined User Interface

Superior Applications and Technical Support

MDS Analytical Technologies employs a team of highly qualified and expertly trained application scientists and technical support specialists to assist researchers in any research area.

Peer-reviewed Publications by Independent Researchers

MDS Analytical Technologies maintains a citation database containing hundreds
of scientific publications with applications enabled by Arcturus® LCM products. Search this database on our web site at http://www.moleculardevices.com/citation/ to find applications and review relevant articles in Proteomics, Gene Expression Profiling, Mutation Analysis, and many other research areas.

Technical Specifications

Performance Specifications

   
Stage: Motorized with positions for three slides and four caps,
trackball actuated in X and Y axes with 1 μm precision
   
Objectives: Motorized turret with 2X, 10X, and 40X Nikon objectives (optional 4X, 20X, 60X, 100X Dry and 100X Oil Nikon objectives available)
   
Filter: Six-position fluorescence filter turret with three filter cubes
and three available positions for application-specific filter cubes
   

Color
Excitation
Emission
Red
570–630 nm
> 655 nm
Green
503–548 nm
> 565 nm
Blue
455–495 nm
> 510 nm
UV (optional)
340–390 nm
> 410 nm
Triple Dichroic (optional)
   
DAPI
385-400
450-465
FITC
475-493
503-533
TRITC
545-565
582-622

   
Epi-Fluorescence: 2000-hour broad-spectrum Metal Halide lamp; userreplaceable with no alignment required
   
Brightfield: 100 W halogen or hig-hintensity LED illumination system
   
Lasers: Solid-state, near-IR laser (810 nm)
Solid-state, passive Q-switched, diode-pumped UV laser
(355 nm)
   
Camera: 1024 x 768 1/3" color CCD with electronic shutter to 1/10,000s and on-chip integration to 30 seconds
   
Altitude: For use up to 6600 ft. (2000 m)
   
Operating temp.: 18–30°C
   
Operating humidity: ≤ 60% relative humidity (non-condensing)

General Specifications

   
Dimensions: 30" (D) x 22" (W) x 29" (H).
   
Power: : 100–240 Vac, 50–60Hz; 600 W
   
Work surface req.: 36" x 72" (92 cm x 183 cm)
32" (80 cm) vertical clearance
   
Computer: 2.8 GHz Pentium® 4 (min.), 2 GB RAM (min.), 80 GB
hard drive (min.), DVD +/- RW drive, Windows® XP Pro, 1280 x 1024 dpi resolution monitor, and interactive pen display monitor

Software Specifications

Graphical User Interface controls all system operations, including:

  • Stage translation
  • Slide selection
  • Focus and light intensity
  • Laser parameters
  • Objective selection
  • Cap transfers (including QC confirmation)
  • Camera settings
Image file format: May be captured, annotated, and saved as JPEG or TIFF
files

Ordering Information

Arcturus Laser Microdissection Systems

ArcturusXT Microdissection Instrument (LCM only)
Part Number: ARCTURUSXT

ArcturusXT LED Illumination Tower
Part Number: 0310-5537

ArcturusXT Phase Contrast Nikon Illumination Tower
Part Number: 0310-5535

ArcturusXT Options

ArcturusXT UV Laser Cutting
Part Number: 0310-5538

ArcturusXT Epi-Fluorescence
Part Number: 0310-5504
(with UV Cube): 0200-6229

ArcturusXT Differential Interference Contrast
(DIC) Base (includes 10X and 40X objective
DIC sliders)
Part Number: 14423-00

ArcturusXT 4X Objective
Part Number: 14676-00

ArcturusXT 20X Objective
Part Number: 14658-00

ArcturusXT 60X Objective
Part Number: 14659-00

ArcturusXT 100X Air Objective
Part Number: 14662-00

ArcturusXT 100X Oil Objective
Part Number: 14661-00

ArcturusXT DIC 20X Slider
Part Number: 6550-0118

ArcturusXT DIC 60X Slider
Part Number: 14468-00

ArcturusXT UV Filter Cube
Part Number: 9000-1034

ArcturusXT Triple Dichroic Filter Cube
Part Number: 6530-0056

ArcturusXT High-Resolution 5-MegaPixel Camera
(includes the MetaVue imaging system)
Part Number: 14379-00

ArcturusXT 17" LCD Flatscreen Monitor
Part Number: 10904-00
ArcturusXT Binoculars
Part Number: 0200-6628

CapSure® LCM Caps and Accessories

CapSure Macro LCM Caps
Part Number: LCM0211

  • 48 caps

CapSure Macro LCM Caps, Bulk Pack
Part Number: LCM0212

  • (5) LCM0211

CapSure HS LCM Caps Starter Pack with
Alignment Tray and Incubation Block
Part Number: LCM0213

  • 24 caps

CapSure HS LCM Caps
Part Number: LCM0214

  • 32 caps

CapSure HS LCM Caps, Bulk Pack
Part Number: LCM0215

  • (5) LCM0214

PEN Membrane Frame Slides

  • 50 slides

PEN Membrane Glass Slides
Part Number: LCM0522

  • 50 slides

PEN Membrane Frame Slides for Live Cell
Microdissection
Part Number: LCM0530

  • 5 slides

PEN Membrane Frame Slides for Live Cell
Microdissection
Part Number: LCM0531

  • 25 slides



Part #: ArcturusXT
ArcturusXT Microdissection System
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