Advanced Microscopy Unit
The Advanced Microscopy Unit at Fundación Ciencia & Vida offers specialized technical and scientific support for studying biological samples using optical and fluorescence microscopy techniques.
Our goal is to enable the capture of high-quality images for morphological, histological, and functional analyses—both qualitative and quantitative—across multiple levels of resolution, from whole tissue to subcellular structures.
Services
We are equipped to conduct studies at the organismal, tissue, cellular, and organelle levels, using calibrated instruments and standardized protocols.
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Stereological Microscopy (ZEISS Axio Imager M2)
This tool is designed for unbiased morphological quantification of three-dimensional structures from two-dimensional histological sections. It is widely used for accurate estimation of cell number, volume, surface area, and length in tissues, especially in neuroscience, histopathology, and structural morphometry. The system features a motorized stage. Support is provided for stereological sampling design and statistical data analysis.
Users must complete theoretical and practical training and demonstrate proficiency before being granted autonomous access to the system.
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Confocal Microscopy (OLYMPUS FV1200)
Confocal microscopy enables the acquisition of optically sectioned images with high resolution and minimal background noise. It is perfect for 3D tissue reconstruction, detailed colocalization studies, signal measurement in thick sections or individual cells, and live cell imaging. The system supports spectral detection from blue to infrared, features a motorized stage, phase contrast, and advanced capabilities, including FRAP, FRET, temperature and gas control, microfluidics, and electrical stimulation.
Full support is offered for image acquisition, quantitative analysis, and experimental design.
Users must complete theoretical and practical training and demonstrate proficiency before being granted autonomous access to the system.
Epifluorescence Microscopy (OLYMPUS IX71)
This inverted optical system allows the visualization and documentation of biological processes in both fixed and live samples using fluorescent markers and/or conventional stains. It is commonly used for studies involving abundance, localization, colocalization, morphology, gene expression, and cell viability, among other applications. The system includes multiple excitation/emission channels, allowing the simultaneous detection of various fluorescent markers.
Users must complete theoretical and practical training and demonstrate proficiency before being granted autonomous access to the system.
Research Areas
The unit actively collaborates on research projects in the following fields:
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Neuroscience
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Cell Biology
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Immunology
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Oncology
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Virology
Training
The Advanced Microscopy Unit also participates in organizing specialized microscopy courses designed for graduate students and early career researchers. These courses are taught by highly qualified instructors with solid backgrounds in research and teaching, and cover both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of the microscopy techniques used in the unit.
Additionally, complementary imaging technologies available at other facilities in Santiago are presented, fostering networking and collaboration among users with advanced microscopy needs. This initiative aims to strengthen the technical capabilities of the scientific community and promote the informed and strategic use of imaging tools in biological research.
Contact
Neurophysiologist. Researcher focused on the degeneration and regeneration of neuronal compartments. Specialist in confocal microscopy and colocalization analysis. Responsible for user training, technical supervision, equipment management and maintenance, and consultation on sample preparation and specialized analyses.