We serve four main areas of activity in microscopy viz.,
- development and application of specific ultra-structural protocols as required by research-based needs/users. This includes standard electron microscopy procedures as well as specialised techniques such as immunogold labelling, cell culture ultrastructure, ultra-structural image analysis
- Tissue fixation, automated processing, embedding and microtomy for routine light microscopy stains;
- Immunohistochemistry protocols inclusive of immunofluorescent staining protocols specific to user demands;
- Image acquisition, image analysis and data processing;
- Teaching and training activities to users, undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Advanced research equipment housed at the OIC include:
- Transmission Electron Microscope -Jeol 1011
- White Laser TCS SP5X Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope- Leica
- Axiovision Fluorescent/Brightfield Microscope– Zeiss Axioscope A1 interfaced with Axiovision image analysis software version 4.8.3.
- Autostainer Link 48 with pre-treatment link –Dako
- Bioplex Magpix Multiplex Reader with Bioplex manager software version 4.1.1- Biorad
Instrumentation specific for the ancillary preparative techniques allied to each of the above equipment are available at the OIC. These include:
- Automated tissue processor -Leica
- Automated tissue embedder-Leica
- Automated electron microscopy tissue processor – Lynx
- Microtome (x2)-Leica and Sakura
- Ultramicrotomes (x2)-Leica