ArcturusXT™ Microdissection System
Flexible and Modular Laser Capture Microdissection
- 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
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
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
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
CapSure Macro LCM Caps, Bulk Pack
Part Number: LCM0212
CapSure HS LCM Caps Starter Pack with
Alignment Tray and Incubation Block
Part Number: LCM0213
CapSure HS LCM Caps
Part Number: LCM0214
CapSure HS LCM Caps, Bulk Pack
Part Number: LCM0215
PEN Membrane Frame Slides
PEN Membrane Glass Slides
Part Number: LCM0522
PEN Membrane Frame Slides for Live Cell
Microdissection
Part Number: LCM0530
PEN Membrane Frame Slides for Live Cell
Microdissection
Part Number: LCM0531
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