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

Harvest single cells or tens of thousands of cells in seconds.

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

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

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

ArcturusXT™ Microdissection System

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)

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

Image file format:

May be captured, annotated, and saved as JPEG or TIFF files

Solid-state, near-IR laser (810 nm)
Solid-state, passive Q-switched, diode-pumped UV laser (355 nm)

36" x 72" (92 cm x 183 cm)
32" (80 cm) vertical clearance