Alexandria Balde
Pronouns: she/her
Research Mentor(s): Dawen Cai
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Cell and Developmental Biology; Biophysics; Neuroscience Graduate Program / Medicine
Program:
Authors: Alexandria Balde, Logan Walker, Dawen Cai
Session: Session 2: 10:00 am – 10:50 am
Poster: 43
Abstract
Confocal fluorescence microscopy is a powerful tool for biological applications, producing high-contrast images with spatial precision in 3D. This effect is achieved by filtering light through a pinhole placed at the image’s focal point. To take advantage of this increased resolution, automated mechanical controls are required. Obtaining computer control of scientific-grade microscopes has been increasingly accessible through the widely-used open-source management system, Micro-Manager, which works with a myriad of microscopes. However, there are still some limitations in compatible devices and thus their systems cannot be controlled using Micro-Manager. One such microscope is the Olympus BX53. This paper will present controls for this microscope model. We gain serial-communication directly with the filter wheels, illumination controls, and cameras in both systems. In favor of mechanized components, we retrofit the Olympus’ default camera and LED. The integration of LED controls should also allow for more image acquisition with different fluorescence indicators allowing for multiple investigations of cellular processes in one cycle. The delivery of images should be organized and effective for the user even remotely. We anticipate that the finalized product should be an interface that is intuitive not only for our current lab applications, but for outside benefactors who also want to customize the specified microscopes. Our integration can also serve as a template for adapting those microscopes to MicroManager, thus strengthening their accessibility and documentation.
