Microscopy Shared Resource

About the Microscopy Shared Resource (MSR)

MSR provides researchers with the equipment and expertise to examine subcellular details at high resolution by both light and electron microscopy and the ability to perform quantitative image analysis. Staff is available for consultation, instruction, assistance and collaboration.

Services
Massey members pay 75 percent of these rates per the member subsidy program.
- Electron microscopy (TEM, SEM)
- Confocal laser scanning microscopy
- Spinning disc confocal microscopy
- Multi-photon laser scanning microscopy
- Structured Illumination microscopy (SIM) (“super-resolution” microscopy)
- Fluorescence microscopy
- Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence microscopy (TIRF)
- Sample preparation
- Live-cell imaging
- Immuno-localization (fluorescence, EM)
- Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP)
- Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)
- Stereology
- Image analysis
Facility

To use the MSR facility, investigators must submit a VCU Microscopy Facility Use Authorization form and be trained by MSR staff. Training sessions are arranged by contacting the director, Tytus Bernas at tytus.bernas@vcuhealth.org or (804) 828-0949. Advice is available on a number of microscopy techniques including immunocytochemistry, live cell imaging, FRET, FRAP, and image analysis.

Signup for Equipment reservations using the VCU Resource Scheduler. Signup Instructions are available if you need assistance using the VCU CORES resource scheduler.

Massey member subsidy benefit

Massey subsidizes 25 percent of the cost of members’ core laboratory usage for the following Massey-supported, fee-for-service shared resources:
- Flow Cytometry Shared Resource
- Lipidomics & Metabolomics Shared Resource
- Microscopy Shared Resource
- Tissue and Data Acquisition and Analysis Core
- Transgenic/Knockout Mouse Shared Resource
- Cancer Mouse Models Core
- Proteomics Shared Resource
To receive this member benefit, please initiate core lab services using a VCU index code associated with your name. When you are billed for core laboratory usage, the Rams FORCE system will automatically split the invoice between your index code and a Massey account established for this purpose. You will be charged 75 percent of the published rate and Massey will provide a 25 percent co-pay to cover the balance. Please direct any questions or concerns about the member subsidy benefit to Paul Fawcett, Ph.D. at paul.fawcett@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-0975.

Facility fees

Category	Description	Unit	VCU Price
Brightfield	Assisted	hour	$62.00
Brightfield	Training	hour	$62.00
Brightfield	Unassisted Use	hour	$3.00
Confocal (LSM 700)	1. Unassisted (Mon-Fri, 8AM-6PM)	hour	$22.00
Confocal (LSM 710)	1. Unassisted (Mon-Fri, 8AM-6PM)	hour	$24.00
Confocal (LSM 880)	1. Unassisted (Mon-Fri, 8AM-6PM)	hour	$27.00
Confocal (LSM 700)	2. Unassisted (Evenings/Weekends)	hour	$12.00
Confocal (LSM 710)	2. Unassisted (Evenings/Weekends)	hour	$14.00
Confocal (LSM 880)	2. Unassisted (Evenings/Weekends)	hour	$17.00
Confocal (LSM 700)	3. Unassisted (Midnight-8AM & Holidays)	hour	$12.00
Confocal (LSM 710)	3. Unassisted (Midnight-8AM & Holidays)	hour	$14.00
Confocal (LSM 880)	3. Unassisted (Midnight-8AM & Holidays)	hour	$17.00
Confocal	Assisted - LSM700 CLSM	hour	$81.00
Confocal	Assisted - LSM880 CLSM	hour	$86.00
Confocal	Assisted - LSM710 CLSM	hour	$83.00
Confocal	Training - LSM700	hour	$81.00
Confocal	Training - LSM710	hour	$83.00
Confocal	Training - LSM880	hour	$86.00
Cryostat and Vibratome	Assisted	hour	$63.00
Cryostat and Vibratome	Training	hour	$63.00
Cryostat and Vibratome	Unassisted	hour	$4.00
Electron Microscopy (SEM & TEM)	Assisted	hour	$101.00
Electron Microscopy (SEM & TEM)	Training - Electron Microscopy	hour	$101.00
Electron Microscopy (SEM & TEM)	Unassisted	hour	$42.00
Fluorescence Stereoscope	Assisted	hour	$65.00
Fluorescence Stereoscope	Training	hour	$65.00
Fluorescence Stereoscope	Unassisted	hour	$6.00
Image Analysis	Assisted	hour	$63.00
Image Analysis	Training	hour	$63.00
Image Analysis	Unassisted	hour	$4.00
Microdissection System	Assisted	hour	$65.00
Microdissection System	Training	hour	$65.00
Microdissection System	Unassisted	hour	$6.00
Multi-Photon Laser Scanning Microscopy	1. Unassisted Mon-Fri, 8AM-6PM)	hour	$21.00
Multi-Photon Laser Scanning Microscopy	2. Unassisted (Evenings & Weekends)	hour	$11.00
Multi-Photon Laser Scanning Microscopy	3. Unassisted (Midnight-8AM & Holidays)	hour	$11.00
Multi-Photon Laser Scanning Microscopy	Assisted	hour	$80.00
Multi-Photon Laser Scanning Microscopy	Training	hour	$80.00
Neurolucida System	Training	hour	$65.00
Neurolucida System	Unassisted	hour	$6.00
Neurolucida System	With Assistance	hour	$65.00
Other	Syringe Filters	each	$4.00
Other	Technician Time	hour	$59.00
Scanning Electron Microscopy	Gold Coating of Samples (up to 6 per run)	each	$6.00
Scanning Electron Microscopy	HMDS	each	$16.00
Scanning Electron Microscopy	Tissue Processing: Critical Point Drying Run - Assisted	each	$35.00
Scanning Electron Microscopy	Tissue Processing: Critical Point Drying Run - Unassisted	each	$11.00
Spinning Disc Confocal Microscopy	1. Unassisted (Mon-Fri, 8AM-6PM)	hour	$7.00
Spinning Disc Confocal Microscopy	2. Unassisted (Evenings & Weekends)	hour	$5.00
Spinning Disc Confocal Microscopy	3. Unassisted (Midnight-8AM & Holidays)	hour	$5.00
Spinning Disc Confocal Microscopy	Assisted	hour	$66.00
Spinning Disc Confocal Microscopy	Training	hour	$66.00
Stereology System	Assisted	hour	$65.00
Stereology System	Training	hour	$65.00
Stereology System	Unassisted	hour	$6.00
Structured Illumination Microscopy	1. Unassisted (Mon-Fri, 8AM-6PM)	hour	$23.00
Structured Illumination Microscopy	2. Unassisted (Evenings & Weekends)	hour	$13.00
Structured Illumination Microscopy	3. Unassisted (Midnight-8AM & Holidays)	hour	$13.00
Structured Illumination Microscopy	Assisted	hour	$82.00
Structured Illumination Microscopy	Training	hour	$82.00
TIRF Microscopy	Assisted	hour	$65.00
TIRF Microscopy	Training	hour	$65.00
TIRF Microscopy	Unassisted	hour	$6.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	En Bloc Staining	each	$20.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Extra Formvar Grids	each	$5.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Glass Strips for Knives	each	$3.50
Transmission Electron Microscopy	ImmunoEM Resin	each	$150.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Plastic Embedding of Plates	each	$30.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Plastic Embedding of Tissue, Pellets	each	$25.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Plastic Embedding of Vibratome Sections	each	$35.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Remounting of Samples	each	$3.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Staining of Grids	each	$25.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Thick Sections: (0.5-1um) 1 slide	each	$11.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Thin Sections: 5 grids per block	each	$35.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Thin Sections: Formvar Grids - 5 grids	each	$50.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Ultramicrotome - Training	hour	$74.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Ultramicrotome - Unassisted	hour	$15.00
Unbilled Activity	Maintenance	hour	$0.00
Widefield Microscopy	Assisted	hour	$65.00
Widefield Microscopy	Training	hour	$65.00
Widefield Microscopy	Unassisted	hour	$6.00

Facility rules
- Users must receive training in the use of any microscope or other instrumentation prior to use.
- Only training from the Microscopy facility staff is acceptable. If you have not had Microscopy Facility staff instruction, you must arrange a training session with the Director or facility staff prior to reserving time on any instrument.
- If you need to reserve multiple sessions in advance, please contact the Director or facility staff prior to reserving the time.
- Users should plan their initial use of the system within 1 week following their training
- Initial use of any system needs to be during working hours when a core facility staff member is available to assist should problems occur – thereafter, unsupervised access to the system will be permitted at the discretion of the facility director.
- Initial use of confocal, structured illumination, and electron microscopes must be scheduled by facility staff.
- If you are unable to use the microscope during the time that you have reserved, please let one of the core facility staff know 24 hours in advance. Repeat “no-shows” will lose their sign-up privileges.
- Users who do not arrive within 15 minutes of the beginning of the time block that they have reserved will forfeit their time on the microscope.
- Users are required to enter (IN LEGIBLE NOTATION) all required information in the logbook when they use the microscope.
- When finished, users must CLEAN the microscope and the surrounding area and dispose of waste. The last user of the day is responsible for shutting the system down.
- Absolutely NO food or drink is allowed in the microscope rooms.
- The system computers are for temporary image storage. All image files must be removed from the computer hard drive when you have finished your imaging session. Files left on the computer hard drive longer than one month will be deleted.
- Users will be held accountable for any damage to the system that occurs due to user negligence or abuse.
Anyone who abuses these rules and/or the facility equipment will lose access privileges.

Tytus Bernas, Ph. D., Director

Tytus.Bernas@vcuhealth.org, 804-828-0949
Resources
Software resources:
- cellSens (online cellSens video tutorials)
- Gatan Digital Micrograph
- Fiji
- ICY
- ImageJ
- Image-Pro Premier 3D
- Leica LCS Lite
- Neurolucida 360(NL 360)
- NIH Image
- Nikon NIS-Elements Viewer
- OMERO (Open Microscopy Environment)
- Stereo Investigator(SI)
- Zeiss Zen Lite
Microscopy-related resources:
- Fluorescence Spectra Viewer (Invitrogen)
- Fluorescence Spectrum Viewer (BD Biosciences)
- Fluorescence Spectra Viewer (Chroma)
- Fluorescent Protein Properties (NIC UCSF)
- Leica Science Lab
- Microscopy Society of America
- MicroWorld Resources and News
- Molecular Expressions
- Nikon Microscopy U
- Nyquist Rate and PSF calculator
- Olympus Microscopy Resource Center
- Omega Filters Curv-o-matic
- Two-photon cross-sections
- Zeiss Microimaging Online Campus
Suggested grant language
The VCU Microscopy Core Laboratory (Director Tytus Bernas, Ph.D.) is located in a 3000 sq ft facility spread over several rooms on the 9th floor of Sanger Hall. It is a fee-for-service core supported by the director and two FTEs that provides the instrumentation and expertise to facilitate a comprehensive spectrum of imaging methods and techniques. Instrumentation and services include:
1. Electron microscopy (TEM, SEM) is supported with a Jeol JEM-1400 TEM equipped with Gatan UltraScan 4000SP CCD camera and tilting motorized stage (montaging and 3D), and a Zeiss EVO 50 XVP SEM equipped with SE, VPSE & BSD detectors, extended variable pressure (up to 750 Pa), Deben coolstage, a water vapor introduction kit, and a Shuttle & Find stage adapter for correlative confocal / SEM imaging;
2. Confocal laser scanning microscopy, supported by three systems: A Zeiss LSM 710 (inverted) equipped with a 32-channel spectral detector plus 2 side PMT detectors, a transmitted light detector, a Becker & Hickl Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging system with 2 hybrid GaAsP detectors (for FLIM / FCS), a motorized XY stage, a PeCon low profile stage incubator, Shuttle & Find stage adapter, and 5 lasers (pulsed 405 nm, multi-line Argon [458/488/514 nm], 561 nm green diode, 633 nm HeNe & a pulsed 440 nm. The system is set up for FRET, FRAP and FLIM analysis. The second system is a Zeiss LSM 700 (upright) equipped with 4 solid state lasers (405 nm, 488 nm, 555 nm, and 635 nm). The scan head has 2 confocal PMTs, a variable secondary dichroic beamsplitter and a transmitted light detector. The third system is a Zeiss LSM 880, inverted) equipped with spectral array detector (GaAsP), 2 single-channel PMT detectors, 32-element image scanning (Airy) detector (GaAsP), motorized piezo stage, hardware autofocus, stage incubator and 5 lasers (405 nm, multi-line Argon [458/488/514 nm], 561 nm green diode, 594 nm HeNe and 633 nm HeNe. The system is capable of high-resolution (image scanning), FCS and fast live-cell imaging.
3. Multi-photon laser scanning microscopy, supported by a Zeiss LSM 510 META NLO (fixed stage upright) equipped with a Spectra-Physics Broadband (710-990 nm) MaiTai Ti:sapphire laser and 3 visible lasers (multi-line Argon, 561 DPSS, HeNe 633), 2 non-descanned detectors, 3 descanned detectors (including a META detector for spectral scanning) a transmitted light detector, and a variety of objective lenses (dry, oil, multi-immersion, water immersion). A Luigs & Neumann 380 FM workstation (with slice chamber & in vivo bridges) and physiology equipment (stimulators, VP timing unit, A/D converters, multiclamp amplifier, line heaters, peristaltic pump, pipette puller) are linked with the system to facilitate simultaneous imaging & physiological recording;
4. Live cell confocal microscopy supported by a Zeiss Cell Observer SD spinning disc confocal microscope, equipped with a Yokogawa CSU-X1A spinning disc, 2 Photometrics Evolve 512 cameras, an Axiocam MRm camera, a high resolution piezo driven Z stage, 4 lasers (405 nm, 458/488/514 nm, 561 nm, 635 nm), DIC, phase contrast, FRAP/uncaging and a stage incubation system (to support live cell / live tissue imaging, with regulation for temperature, humidity, CO2 and O2); 5) Total internal reflection (TIRF) microscopy, supported by an Olympus cellTIRF system equipped with 3 lasers (405 nm diode, 488 diode and 561 DPSS), AOTF, DIC, phase contrast, Andor iXon DU-897E EMCCD camera, a laser-based automated focus drift compensation system and a stage incubator (temperature, humidity, CO2); The system is set up for super-resolution imaging (PALM/STORM localization microscopy).
5. A Nikon N-SIM Structured Illumination Microscope. This system is equipped with 3 diffraction gratings, 4 lasers (405, 488, 561 & 640 nm), Andor iXon DU-897E EMCCD camera, a laser-based automated focus drift compensation system, motorized XY stage, a high resolution piezo-driven Z stage, motorized TIRF optics (with independent laser input), fluorescence optics, DIC, and a Tokai Hit stage incubator (to facilitate live cell imaging); The system is capable of super-resolution (SIM and localization), TIRF and combined SIM/TIRF imaging of live and fixed cells.
6. seven wide-field fluorescence microscopes, including: an Olympus BX51 configured for computer-assisted stereology and equipped with a Prior Proscan XYZ motorized stage, an Olympus DP72 CCD camera, fluorescence optics (DAPI / GFP / DsRed / Cy5), DIC, phase contrast, Visiopharm newCAST software and Olympus cellSens software. The second system is a Zeiss AxioImager Z2 automated microscope configured for morphometric analysis and equipped with a Q-Imaging CCD camera and a Zeiss Axiocam MRm, fluorescence optics, (DAPI / CFP / GFP / DsRed / Cy5), DIC, motorized XY stage, and Microbrightfield Neurolucida & StereoInvestigator imaging / image analysis software. The third system is a Zeiss Axiovert 200 equipped with a Hamamastu ORCA ER CCD camera, Colibri LED illumination unit (blue, green, red), fluorescence filter sets (DAPI, GFP, DsRed), white light LED and a stage heater. The fourth system is a Zeiss Axioimager A1 equipped with fluorescence optics (DAPI, GFP, DsRed), and an Axiocam MRc CCD camera. The fifth system is a Zeiss AxioObserver A1 equipped with fluorescence optics (DAPI, GFP, DsRed), and an Axiocam MRc5 CCD camera. The sixth system is a Nikon ECLIPSE E800M with fluorescence optics (DAPI, GFP, DsRed, Cy5), and a Diagnostic Instruments Spot RT CCD camera. The seventh system is a Zeiss Axiovert 40 equipped with fluorescence optics (DAPI, GFP, DsRed), and an Axiocam MRc CCD camera. A Zeiss Discovery V20 Stereo zoom microscope with transmitted, reflection and fluorescence illumination, 0.63x, 1.25x and 1.5x lenses, filter sets for GFP, CFP, YFP and DsRed and an Axiocam MRc CCD camera is available for micro/macroscopic imaging;
This equipment suite (supported by sputter coaters, ultramicrotomes, critical point dryers, etc.) allows the core to offer many types of imaging methods and services including: Sample preparation; Live-cell imaging; Immuno-localization (fluorescence, EM); Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP); Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), Fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). The core also provides multi-dimensional image analysis (image cytometry), restoration (including deconvolution) and visualization. A cell culture facility (with incubators and biological safety cabinet) is located on-site to support live cell imaging. Training is available for all of the imaging modalities and methods offered.
Contact

Microscopy Facility Personnel

Tytus Bernas, Ph.D.
Facility director
(804) 828-0949
tytus.bernas@vcuhealth.org

Terry Smith
Electron Microscopy
(804) 827-2141
terry.smith@vcuhealth.org

Frances White
Light Microscopy
(804) 828-9366
frances.white@vcuhealth.org

VCU Microscopy Facility
Department of Anatomy and Neurology
VCU School of Medicine
1101 East Marshall Street
Box 980709
Richmond, Virginia 23298-0709
(804) 828-0949

Massey members pay 75 percent of these rates per the member subsidy program.

Electron microscopy (TEM, SEM)
Confocal laser scanning microscopy
Spinning disc confocal microscopy
Multi-photon laser scanning microscopy
Structured Illumination microscopy (SIM) (“super-resolution” microscopy)
Fluorescence microscopy
Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence microscopy (TIRF)
Sample preparation
Live-cell imaging
Immuno-localization (fluorescence, EM)
Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP)
Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)
Stereology
Image analysis

Facility

To use the MSR facility, investigators must submit a VCU Microscopy Facility Use Authorization form and be trained by MSR staff. Training sessions are arranged by contacting the director, Tytus Bernas at tytus.bernas@vcuhealth.org or (804) 828-0949. Advice is available on a number of microscopy techniques including immunocytochemistry, live cell imaging, FRET, FRAP, and image analysis.

Signup for Equipment reservations using the VCU Resource Scheduler. Signup Instructions are available if you need assistance using the VCU CORES resource scheduler.

Massey member subsidy benefit

Massey subsidizes 25 percent of the cost of members’ core laboratory usage for the following Massey-supported, fee-for-service shared resources:

Flow Cytometry Shared Resource
Lipidomics & Metabolomics Shared Resource
Microscopy Shared Resource
Tissue and Data Acquisition and Analysis Core
Transgenic/Knockout Mouse Shared Resource
Cancer Mouse Models Core
Proteomics Shared Resource

To receive this member benefit, please initiate core lab services using a VCU index code associated with your name. When you are billed for core laboratory usage, the Rams FORCE system will automatically split the invoice between your index code and a Massey account established for this purpose. You will be charged 75 percent of the published rate and Massey will provide a 25 percent co-pay to cover the balance. Please direct any questions or concerns about the member subsidy benefit to Paul Fawcett, Ph.D. at paul.fawcett@vcuhealth.org or (804) 827-0975.

Category	Description	Unit	VCU Price
Brightfield	Assisted	hour	$62.00
Brightfield	Training	hour	$62.00
Brightfield	Unassisted Use	hour	$3.00
Confocal (LSM 700)	1. Unassisted (Mon-Fri, 8AM-6PM)	hour	$22.00
Confocal (LSM 710)	1. Unassisted (Mon-Fri, 8AM-6PM)	hour	$24.00
Confocal (LSM 880)	1. Unassisted (Mon-Fri, 8AM-6PM)	hour	$27.00
Confocal (LSM 700)	2. Unassisted (Evenings/Weekends)	hour	$12.00
Confocal (LSM 710)	2. Unassisted (Evenings/Weekends)	hour	$14.00
Confocal (LSM 880)	2. Unassisted (Evenings/Weekends)	hour	$17.00
Confocal (LSM 700)	3. Unassisted (Midnight-8AM & Holidays)	hour	$12.00
Confocal (LSM 710)	3. Unassisted (Midnight-8AM & Holidays)	hour	$14.00
Confocal (LSM 880)	3. Unassisted (Midnight-8AM & Holidays)	hour	$17.00
Confocal	Assisted - LSM700 CLSM	hour	$81.00
Confocal	Assisted - LSM880 CLSM	hour	$86.00
Confocal	Assisted - LSM710 CLSM	hour	$83.00
Confocal	Training - LSM700	hour	$81.00
Confocal	Training - LSM710	hour	$83.00
Confocal	Training - LSM880	hour	$86.00
Cryostat and Vibratome	Assisted	hour	$63.00
Cryostat and Vibratome	Training	hour	$63.00
Cryostat and Vibratome	Unassisted	hour	$4.00
Electron Microscopy (SEM & TEM)	Assisted	hour	$101.00
Electron Microscopy (SEM & TEM)	Training - Electron Microscopy	hour	$101.00
Electron Microscopy (SEM & TEM)	Unassisted	hour	$42.00
Fluorescence Stereoscope	Assisted	hour	$65.00
Fluorescence Stereoscope	Training	hour	$65.00
Fluorescence Stereoscope	Unassisted	hour	$6.00
Image Analysis	Assisted	hour	$63.00
Image Analysis	Training	hour	$63.00
Image Analysis	Unassisted	hour	$4.00
Microdissection System	Assisted	hour	$65.00
Microdissection System	Training	hour	$65.00
Microdissection System	Unassisted	hour	$6.00
Multi-Photon Laser Scanning Microscopy	1. Unassisted Mon-Fri, 8AM-6PM)	hour	$21.00
Multi-Photon Laser Scanning Microscopy	2. Unassisted (Evenings & Weekends)	hour	$11.00
Multi-Photon Laser Scanning Microscopy	3. Unassisted (Midnight-8AM & Holidays)	hour	$11.00
Multi-Photon Laser Scanning Microscopy	Assisted	hour	$80.00
Multi-Photon Laser Scanning Microscopy	Training	hour	$80.00
Neurolucida System	Training	hour	$65.00
Neurolucida System	Unassisted	hour	$6.00
Neurolucida System	With Assistance	hour	$65.00
Other	Syringe Filters	each	$4.00
Other	Technician Time	hour	$59.00
Scanning Electron Microscopy	Gold Coating of Samples (up to 6 per run)	each	$6.00
Scanning Electron Microscopy	HMDS	each	$16.00
Scanning Electron Microscopy	Tissue Processing: Critical Point Drying Run - Assisted	each	$35.00
Scanning Electron Microscopy	Tissue Processing: Critical Point Drying Run - Unassisted	each	$11.00
Spinning Disc Confocal Microscopy	1. Unassisted (Mon-Fri, 8AM-6PM)	hour	$7.00
Spinning Disc Confocal Microscopy	2. Unassisted (Evenings & Weekends)	hour	$5.00
Spinning Disc Confocal Microscopy	3. Unassisted (Midnight-8AM & Holidays)	hour	$5.00
Spinning Disc Confocal Microscopy	Assisted	hour	$66.00
Spinning Disc Confocal Microscopy	Training	hour	$66.00
Stereology System	Assisted	hour	$65.00
Stereology System	Training	hour	$65.00
Stereology System	Unassisted	hour	$6.00
Structured Illumination Microscopy	1. Unassisted (Mon-Fri, 8AM-6PM)	hour	$23.00
Structured Illumination Microscopy	2. Unassisted (Evenings & Weekends)	hour	$13.00
Structured Illumination Microscopy	3. Unassisted (Midnight-8AM & Holidays)	hour	$13.00
Structured Illumination Microscopy	Assisted	hour	$82.00
Structured Illumination Microscopy	Training	hour	$82.00
TIRF Microscopy	Assisted	hour	$65.00
TIRF Microscopy	Training	hour	$65.00
TIRF Microscopy	Unassisted	hour	$6.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	En Bloc Staining	each	$20.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Extra Formvar Grids	each	$5.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Glass Strips for Knives	each	$3.50
Transmission Electron Microscopy	ImmunoEM Resin	each	$150.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Plastic Embedding of Plates	each	$30.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Plastic Embedding of Tissue, Pellets	each	$25.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Plastic Embedding of Vibratome Sections	each	$35.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Remounting of Samples	each	$3.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Staining of Grids	each	$25.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Thick Sections: (0.5-1um) 1 slide	each	$11.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Thin Sections: 5 grids per block	each	$35.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Thin Sections: Formvar Grids - 5 grids	each	$50.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Ultramicrotome - Training	hour	$74.00
Transmission Electron Microscopy	Ultramicrotome - Unassisted	hour	$15.00
Unbilled Activity	Maintenance	hour	$0.00
Widefield Microscopy	Assisted	hour	$65.00
Widefield Microscopy	Training	hour	$65.00
Widefield Microscopy	Unassisted	hour	$6.00

Users must receive training in the use of any microscope or other instrumentation prior to use.
Only training from the Microscopy facility staff is acceptable. If you have not had Microscopy Facility staff instruction, you must arrange a training session with the Director or facility staff prior to reserving time on any instrument.
If you need to reserve multiple sessions in advance, please contact the Director or facility staff prior to reserving the time.
Users should plan their initial use of the system within 1 week following their training
Initial use of any system needs to be during working hours when a core facility staff member is available to assist should problems occur – thereafter, unsupervised access to the system will be permitted at the discretion of the facility director.
Initial use of confocal, structured illumination, and electron microscopes must be scheduled by facility staff.
If you are unable to use the microscope during the time that you have reserved, please let one of the core facility staff know 24 hours in advance. Repeat “no-shows” will lose their sign-up privileges.
Users who do not arrive within 15 minutes of the beginning of the time block that they have reserved will forfeit their time on the microscope.
Users are required to enter (IN LEGIBLE NOTATION) all required information in the logbook when they use the microscope.
When finished, users must CLEAN the microscope and the surrounding area and dispose of waste. The last user of the day is responsible for shutting the system down.
Absolutely NO food or drink is allowed in the microscope rooms.
The system computers are for temporary image storage. All image files must be removed from the computer hard drive when you have finished your imaging session. Files left on the computer hard drive longer than one month will be deleted.
Users will be held accountable for any damage to the system that occurs due to user negligence or abuse.

Anyone who abuses these rules and/or the facility equipment will lose access privileges.

Tytus Bernas, Ph. D., Director

Tytus.Bernas@vcuhealth.org, 804-828-0949

Software resources:

cellSens (online cellSens video tutorials)
Gatan Digital Micrograph
Fiji
ICY
ImageJ
Image-Pro Premier 3D
Leica LCS Lite
Neurolucida 360(NL 360)
NIH Image
Nikon NIS-Elements Viewer
OMERO (Open Microscopy Environment)
Stereo Investigator(SI)
Zeiss Zen Lite

Microscopy-related resources:

Fluorescence Spectra Viewer (Invitrogen)
Fluorescence Spectrum Viewer (BD Biosciences)
Fluorescence Spectra Viewer (Chroma)
Fluorescent Protein Properties (NIC UCSF)
Leica Science Lab
Microscopy Society of America
MicroWorld Resources and News
Molecular Expressions
Nikon Microscopy U
Nyquist Rate and PSF calculator
Olympus Microscopy Resource Center
Omega Filters Curv-o-matic
Two-photon cross-sections
Zeiss Microimaging Online Campus

The VCU Microscopy Core Laboratory (Director Tytus Bernas, Ph.D.) is located in a 3000 sq ft facility spread over several rooms on the 9th floor of Sanger Hall. It is a fee-for-service core supported by the director and two FTEs that provides the instrumentation and expertise to facilitate a comprehensive spectrum of imaging methods and techniques. Instrumentation and services include:

Electron microscopy (TEM, SEM) is supported with a Jeol JEM-1400 TEM equipped with Gatan UltraScan 4000SP CCD camera and tilting motorized stage (montaging and 3D), and a Zeiss EVO 50 XVP SEM equipped with SE, VPSE & BSD detectors, extended variable pressure (up to 750 Pa), Deben coolstage, a water vapor introduction kit, and a Shuttle & Find stage adapter for correlative confocal / SEM imaging;
Confocal laser scanning microscopy, supported by three systems: A Zeiss LSM 710 (inverted) equipped with a 32-channel spectral detector plus 2 side PMT detectors, a transmitted light detector, a Becker & Hickl Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging system with 2 hybrid GaAsP detectors (for FLIM / FCS), a motorized XY stage, a PeCon low profile stage incubator, Shuttle & Find stage adapter, and 5 lasers (pulsed 405 nm, multi-line Argon [458/488/514 nm], 561 nm green diode, 633 nm HeNe & a pulsed 440 nm. The system is set up for FRET, FRAP and FLIM analysis. The second system is a Zeiss LSM 700 (upright) equipped with 4 solid state lasers (405 nm, 488 nm, 555 nm, and 635 nm). The scan head has 2 confocal PMTs, a variable secondary dichroic beamsplitter and a transmitted light detector. The third system is a Zeiss LSM 880, inverted) equipped with spectral array detector (GaAsP), 2 single-channel PMT detectors, 32-element image scanning (Airy) detector (GaAsP), motorized piezo stage, hardware autofocus, stage incubator and 5 lasers (405 nm, multi-line Argon [458/488/514 nm], 561 nm green diode, 594 nm HeNe and 633 nm HeNe. The system is capable of high-resolution (image scanning), FCS and fast live-cell imaging.
Multi-photon laser scanning microscopy, supported by a Zeiss LSM 510 META NLO (fixed stage upright) equipped with a Spectra-Physics Broadband (710-990 nm) MaiTai Ti:sapphire laser and 3 visible lasers (multi-line Argon, 561 DPSS, HeNe 633), 2 non-descanned detectors, 3 descanned detectors (including a META detector for spectral scanning) a transmitted light detector, and a variety of objective lenses (dry, oil, multi-immersion, water immersion). A Luigs & Neumann 380 FM workstation (with slice chamber & in vivo bridges) and physiology equipment (stimulators, VP timing unit, A/D converters, multiclamp amplifier, line heaters, peristaltic pump, pipette puller) are linked with the system to facilitate simultaneous imaging & physiological recording;
Live cell confocal microscopy supported by a Zeiss Cell Observer SD spinning disc confocal microscope, equipped with a Yokogawa CSU-X1A spinning disc, 2 Photometrics Evolve 512 cameras, an Axiocam MRm camera, a high resolution piezo driven Z stage, 4 lasers (405 nm, 458/488/514 nm, 561 nm, 635 nm), DIC, phase contrast, FRAP/uncaging and a stage incubation system (to support live cell / live tissue imaging, with regulation for temperature, humidity, CO2 and O2); 5) Total internal reflection (TIRF) microscopy, supported by an Olympus cellTIRF system equipped with 3 lasers (405 nm diode, 488 diode and 561 DPSS), AOTF, DIC, phase contrast, Andor iXon DU-897E EMCCD camera, a laser-based automated focus drift compensation system and a stage incubator (temperature, humidity, CO2); The system is set up for super-resolution imaging (PALM/STORM localization microscopy).
A Nikon N-SIM Structured Illumination Microscope. This system is equipped with 3 diffraction gratings, 4 lasers (405, 488, 561 & 640 nm), Andor iXon DU-897E EMCCD camera, a laser-based automated focus drift compensation system, motorized XY stage, a high resolution piezo-driven Z stage, motorized TIRF optics (with independent laser input), fluorescence optics, DIC, and a Tokai Hit stage incubator (to facilitate live cell imaging); The system is capable of super-resolution (SIM and localization), TIRF and combined SIM/TIRF imaging of live and fixed cells.
seven wide-field fluorescence microscopes, including: an Olympus BX51 configured for computer-assisted stereology and equipped with a Prior Proscan XYZ motorized stage, an Olympus DP72 CCD camera, fluorescence optics (DAPI / GFP / DsRed / Cy5), DIC, phase contrast, Visiopharm newCAST software and Olympus cellSens software. The second system is a Zeiss AxioImager Z2 automated microscope configured for morphometric analysis and equipped with a Q-Imaging CCD camera and a Zeiss Axiocam MRm, fluorescence optics, (DAPI / CFP / GFP / DsRed / Cy5), DIC, motorized XY stage, and Microbrightfield Neurolucida & StereoInvestigator imaging / image analysis software. The third system is a Zeiss Axiovert 200 equipped with a Hamamastu ORCA ER CCD camera, Colibri LED illumination unit (blue, green, red), fluorescence filter sets (DAPI, GFP, DsRed), white light LED and a stage heater. The fourth system is a Zeiss Axioimager A1 equipped with fluorescence optics (DAPI, GFP, DsRed), and an Axiocam MRc CCD camera. The fifth system is a Zeiss AxioObserver A1 equipped with fluorescence optics (DAPI, GFP, DsRed), and an Axiocam MRc5 CCD camera. The sixth system is a Nikon ECLIPSE E800M with fluorescence optics (DAPI, GFP, DsRed, Cy5), and a Diagnostic Instruments Spot RT CCD camera. The seventh system is a Zeiss Axiovert 40 equipped with fluorescence optics (DAPI, GFP, DsRed), and an Axiocam MRc CCD camera. A Zeiss Discovery V20 Stereo zoom microscope with transmitted, reflection and fluorescence illumination, 0.63x, 1.25x and 1.5x lenses, filter sets for GFP, CFP, YFP and DsRed and an Axiocam MRc CCD camera is available for micro/macroscopic imaging;

This equipment suite (supported by sputter coaters, ultramicrotomes, critical point dryers, etc.) allows the core to offer many types of imaging methods and services including: Sample preparation; Live-cell imaging; Immuno-localization (fluorescence, EM); Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP); Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), Fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM), Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS). The core also provides multi-dimensional image analysis (image cytometry), restoration (including deconvolution) and visualization. A cell culture facility (with incubators and biological safety cabinet) is located on-site to support live cell imaging. Training is available for all of the imaging modalities and methods offered.

Microscopy Facility Personnel

Tytus Bernas, Ph.D.
Facility director
(804) 828-0949
tytus.bernas@vcuhealth.org

Terry Smith
Electron Microscopy
(804) 827-2141
terry.smith@vcuhealth.org

Frances White
Light Microscopy
(804) 828-9366
frances.white@vcuhealth.org

VCU Microscopy Facility
Department of Anatomy and Neurology
VCU School of Medicine
1101 East Marshall Street
Box 980709
Richmond, Virginia 23298-0709
(804) 828-0949

Acknowledge the Microscopy Shared Resource

All publications that include results, services or products generated by the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Shared Resources must include the following acknowledgement in the manuscript:

"Services in support of the research project were generated by the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center Microscopy Shared Resource, supported, in part, with funding from NIH-NCI Cancer Center Support Grant P30 CA016059."

PubMed Central (PMC) ID numbers are required for those publications that use CCSG-supported shared resources. All of VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center's Shared Resources are supported by the CCSG.

This Shared Resource is jointly supported by VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation.