Microscopi multifotó Ultima 2Pplus
The Ultima 2Pplus (Bruker) is a multiphoton microscope that significantly strengthens high-resolution and deep in vivo optical imaging services. The new cutting-edge features incorporated into this sophisticated microscope will greatly enhance our users’ research capabilities by enabling more precise and detailed imaging at the cellular and molecular scale.
The instrument also contributes to the advancement of the Euro-BioImaging project, in which the University of Barcelona has participated since January 2024 through the Scientific and Technological Centers, coordinating the Barcelona Live and Intravital- Advanced Light Microscopy Node (BLIVIN), specialized in advanced microscopy of live cells and living animals. Additionally, the new service has also been incorporated into the catalogue of the Biomodels and Biobanks Platform of the Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII).
Equipment Features
The Ultima 2Pplus includes an automated upright multiphoton microscope with a motorized bridge-type vertical configuration and translation around the sample. It features high-speed resonant and conventional scanners, three high-sensitivity GaAsP detectors, and a 20x objective with a high numerical aperture (1.1 NA) specifically designed for infrared imaging. The system is powered by a dual tunable pulsed laser (100fs, 80MHz) with a wavelength range of 660–1320 nm, including a fixed 1040 nm line (Chameleon Discovery, Coherent).
Technology Applications
The new equipment enables deep in vivo imaging at molecular, subcellular, and cellular resolution using transgenic fluorescent animals or intravenously administered fluorescent contrast agents. It also allows functional photostimulation assays such as optogenetics, glutamate uncaging, and photothermal and photochemical studies.
The system also supports second-harmonic generation (SHG) imaging to study, for example, collagen in tumors or fibrosis in the lungs and liver, as well as myosin in cardiac and skeletal muscle and neurons. Third-harmonic generation (THG) imaging is available for lipid studies and analysis of interfaces in tissues and organs.
The microscope can also examine thick samples such as organoids, spheroids, and cleared organs, and can image UV fluorochromes for lipid studies such as Laurdan and Filipin.
Funding
This equipment was fully funded through European funds under the 2021 call for the acquisition of scientific-technical equipment from the Next Generation EU programme, within the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan. Project EQC2021-007495-P with a total amount of €570,000.
Location
The Ultima 2Pplus system can be found in the Advanced Optical Microscopy (MOA) laboratory of the CCiTUB located at the Clínic Campus, and the in vivo imaging applications are managed in coordination with the Animal Experimentation Unit of the CCiTUB, located in the same building where the instrument has been installed.