- Created by Nicolas Stifani, last modified on Sep 09, 2024
Nikon Ti2-E inverted microscope
Roger Gaudry Building, Room R-619
Instrument awarded to Dr Paradis-Bleau the Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI)
Advanced Microscope Tier 1 usage price
Applications
- Transmitted light, Bright-field
- Phase contrast
Polarized light, DIC
Fluorescence
- Live imaging
- Time-lapse imaging
Light sources
LED lamp for transmitted light
Lumencor SpectraX for fluorescence
Source | ID | Filter type | Excitation wavelengths (nm) | Compatible fluorophores | Nominal power (mW) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Violet | 395/25 | Bandpass | [382-407] | DAPI, Hoechst | 295 |
Blue | 440/20 | Bandpass | [430-450] | CFP | 256 |
Cyan | 470/24 | Bandpass | [458-482] | FITC, GFP | 196 |
Teal | 510/25 | Bandpass | [497-522] | YFP | 62 |
Green/Yellow | 550/15 | Bandpass | [542-557] | TRITC, Cy3 | 260 |
Green/Yellow (Storage) | 575/25 | Bandpass | [562-587] | mCherry | 310 |
Red | 640/30 | Bandpass | [625-655] | Cy5 | 231 |
Objectives
- 20x/0.5 Air Ph1 WD 2.1
- 60x/1.4 Oil DIC WD 0.13
- 100x/1.45 Oil Ph3 WD 0.13
- 100x/1.45 Oil DIC WD 0.13
- 4x/0.2 Air WD 20
- 20x/0.75 Air DIC WD 1.0
Position | Name | Brand | Full name | Identifier | Working distance (mm) | Transmittance (% [nm]) | Techniques | Cover glass thickness (mm) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 20x/0.5 Air Ph1 | Nikon | 20x/0.5 Air Plan Fluor Ph1 | MRH10201 | 2.1 | >80% [400-750] | BF, Pol, PhC, Fluo | 0.17 |
2 | 60x/1.4 Oil DIC | Nikon | 60x/1.4 Oil Plan Apo Lambda DIC N2 | MRD01605 | 0.13 | >80% [475-725] | BF, Pol, DIC, Fluo | 0.17 |
3 | 100x/1.45 Oil Ph3 | Nikon | 100x/1.45 Oil Plan Apo Lambda Ph3 | MRD31905 | 0.13 | >80% [475-750] | BF, Pol, PhC, Fluo | 0.17 |
4 | 100x/1.45 Oil DIC | Nikon | 100x/1.45 Oil Plan Apo Lambda DIC N2 | MRD01905 | 0.13 | >80% [475-750] | BF, Pol, DIC, Fluo | 0.17 |
5 | 4x/0.2 Air | Nikon | 4x/0.2 Air Plan Apo Lambda | 20 | >80% [400-1000] | BF, Fluo | 0.17 | |
6 | 20x/0.75 Air DIC | Nikon | 20x/0.75 Air Plan Apo Lambda DIC N2 | MRD00205 | 1.0 | >80% [400-950] | BF, Pol, DIC, Fluo | 0.17 |
Filters
DAPI
GFP/FITC (CFP)
Cy5
DAPI/GFP/Cy3/Cy5 (requires Cy3 filter in Lumencor SpectraX Green/Yellow position)
- DIC Analyzer
CFP/YFP/mCherry (requires mCherry filter in Lumencor SpectraX Green/Yellow position)
Position | Name | Brand | ID | Excitation Filter | Dichroic mirror | Emission Filter | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | DAPI | Nikon | DAPI-U HQ | 395/25x [383-408] | 425LP | 460/50m [435-485] | C-FL-C DAPI-U HQ |
2 | GFP | Semrock | GFP-4050B-000 | 466/40x | 525/50m [500-550] | Nikon ID 96372 | |
3 | Cy5 | Semrock | Cy5-5070A | 617/55x [590-645] | 652LP | 697/77m [659-736] | Nikon ID 96376 |
4 | DAPI/GFP/Cy3/Cy5 | Semrock | C182279 | None | 409/493/573/652 | 432/515/595/681 | 77074160 Custom Quad C182279. Excitation filters are in the Lumencor SpectraX light source |
5 | DIC Analyzer | Nikon | Ti2-C-DICACL | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Used for DIC imaging |
6 | CFP\YFP\mCherry | Semrock | C1997767 | None | 459/526/596 | Excitation filters are in the Lumencor SpectraX light source |
Detector
Hamamatsu ORCA Flash V2 C11440-22CU CMOS Monochrome Camera 2048 x 2048 pixels, 16-bit, 30 images/s at full frame
- Turn on the computer (#1)
- Remove the cover from the microscope
- Turn on the microscope power bar (#2)
If incubation is required, turn on the Okolab incubation module (#3A), the Lauda water bath (#3B) and open the CO2 (#3C) and N2 (#3D) tanks
Make sure the humidifier and the water bath are clean and properly filled with distilled water.
- Use your UdeM credentials to log in to Windows
- Start the software NIS-Elements
The first time you use the instrument, you need to import the microscope settings into the software. To do this follow the instructions First use protocol.
- Save your data
- Close NIS-Elements software
- Transfer your data to the D: drive (Data Storage) or to your external drive and delete it from the local C: drive
- Turn off the computer
- If oil objectives were used, clean it with lens cleaner and lens paper (not Kimwipes)
- If incubation was used, turn off the Okolab incubation module (#3A), Lauda water bath (#3B) and close the CO2 (#3C) and N2 (#3D) tanks
- Wait until the SpectaX has cooled down and turn off the microscope power bar (#2)
- Cover the microscope
Important Reminders
- Collect your samples, especially those in the microscope
- Leave the microscope and workspace clean
- Files can be saved temporarily (during acquisition) to local C: drive (desktop)
- At the end of each session, copy your data to your external drive and delete it from local C: drive
- You can store your files on the D: drive (Data Storage). If you do, please create one folder per laboratory using the principal investigator's last name. Inside, create a folder per user using the following nomenclature (First Name_Last Name).
Important
In any case, do not store your files on the C: drive.
When using the microscope for the first time, you need to import the microscope settings into the software. You will usually do this during the training session.
This procedure can also be performed if something is not working properly and if you want to reset the software to its original settings.
This process will delete all experiment protocols and reset the software to the original settings for this specific microscope.
- If open, close NIS-Elements and wait until it is completely closed (up to 30 seconds)
- On your Desktop open the Softwares folder
- Open NIS Settings Utility
- Click on the Import tab
- Click on Browse
- Navigate to your Desktop
- Select the file Nikon-Ti2 Settings.bin
- Click Select
- Select all items
- Click Import
- Click OK
- Close the NIS Settings
- You can now reopen NIS-Elements
The following schematics depict the light path for transmitted (bright-field and Phase Contrast) and reflected (fluorescence) lights.
Available manuals
- Check condenser filters if labels match
- Check why 20x/0.75 DIC objective has no DIC prism
- Condenser DIC prism is DIC N1 while objective requires N2
- Check why at 4x Condenser gives a black shadow on the righ side of the image
- Adjust Objective XYZ offset
- Check plane because FOV is not flat
- Check why Settings are no longer added to the personnal desktop
- Add NIS to user rights and avoid unauthorized user
- Fixed incubator tubing misplaced
- Added better attachment for tubing on the incubation chamber
- Checked incubation chamber for obstruction
- Fixed condenser holder loose
- 20x/0.5 Ph1 dirty or damaged likely dirty with varnished
- Added network cable between Acquisition and Processing workstations
- Added shortcuts in Desktop\Documentation
- Clean 60x objective (nail polish on it !)
- Fix damaged stage insert
- Stage insert tilt adjustment
- Objective XY offset adjustments
- Installed new objective 4x/0.2 Plan Apo Lambda
- Updated configuration file
- Computer maintenance
- Imaging test slides
- Re-install DCAM API drivers v22.2.6391
- Okolab incubation complete maintenance
- Disassemble Okolab stage insert
- Disconnect the pipes
- Disconnect the Lauda water-bath
- Clean everything with 10% acetic acid (excepted the plastic pipes and washers)
- Rinse with regular tap water 2 times
- Rinse with distilled water once
- Dry, reassemble and reconnect
- Refill with the Lauda water-bath with 3L of milliQ water
- Set the Okolab temperature Control Mode to Chamber
- Set the Okolab temperature to 65°C
- Let run for 1h. This will sterilize the water.
- Check for any leakage
- Set the Okolab temperature Control Mode back to Sample
- Set the Okolab temperature back to 37°C
- Cleaning objectives
- Control for incubation chamber liquid intrusion
- CO2 Calibration for Okolab: Offset of 1%
- Control for illumination quality
- See Illumination Report_Nikon Ti2_2021-11-05.pdf
- Liquid light guide adjustment
- 20x/0.75 DIC objective was dirty and has been cleaned
- Printed and displayed a Memo about available air and oil objectives
- Adjustment of camera angle
- Objective calibration
- Objective XY offset
- Updated NIS settings
- Added light path schematics to wikipedia
- Okolab display a NAN message for the free thermal sensor
The probe is made of two wires that need to be in contact to measure the temperature properly
- Turn off the Okolab module
- Disconnect the free sensor probe
- Cut out the damaged part
- Carefully expose the two wires
- Connect the two wires together
- Added label on gas bottles
- Added line mark on humidifier
- 512 GB SSD installed for OS
- Windows 10 Installation
- BIOS updated to v2.47
Stand
- Nikon Ti2-E inverted Serial 540156 System 170110-Sys-006287
Light sources
- Transmitted LED light
- ND32 filter
- IR filter
- Manual Polarizer
- Lumencor SpectraX 6-NII-SE Serial 9409
Condenser
- Motorized condenser Ti2-C-TC-E Serial 519097
Lens LWD NA 0.52
Filter turret 7 motorized positions
Empty
- Empty
Ph1
Ph3
Shutter
Empty
- DIC N1
Objectives
- 20x/0.5 Air Ph1 WD 2.1
- 60x/1.4 Oil DIC WD 0.13
- 100x/1.45 Oil Ph3 WD 0.13
- 100x/1.45 Oil DIC WD 0.13
- 4x/0.2 Air WD 20
- 20x/0.75 Air DIC WD 1.0
Stage
- Motorized stage Ti2 SHU compatible Serial 127808
- Remote control joystick Ti2-S-JS Serial 127976
- Inserts
- Multi-well plate Ti2-S-HW with tilt adjustment (no incubation)
- Combo slide 3cm dish Ti2-S-HU with tilt adjustment (no incubation)
- Okolab H101-CellASIC Frame with perfusion ports
- 1 x 35mm petri dish 1x35-M + cover
- 2 Chamber Slide 2xGS-M+ cover
- 1 Multi-well for oil objectives MW-OIL
- 6-well plate 6MW+ cover
- 1 CellASIC + cover
Filters
- DAPI Cube Ex 383-408 DAPI-U DM 425 BA 435-485
- GFP Cube Semrock 96372 M349727 17
- Cy5 Cube Semrock 96376 M351081 8
- 77074160 Custom Quad C182279 Polychroic and quad bandpass emitter for use with the following single bandpass filters: ET395/25x, ET470/24x, ET550/15x, ET640/30x
- DIC Analyser Ti2-C-DICACL
- C197767 7707\4656 CFP\YFP\mCherry XT
Detector
- Hamamatsu ORCA Flash V2 C11440-22CU CMOS Monochrome Camera 2048 x 2048 pixels, 16-bit, 30fps at full resolution Serial 101081
Workstation
- HP Z440 Workstation
- Intel Xeon E5-1620 v4 @ 3.5GHz
- RAM 32 GB DDR4 2400 MHz ECC (4 x 8 GB)
- OS 500 GB SSD 530 MB/s
- 4 TB HD Data Storage (2 x 2 TB spanned volume) 130 MB/s
- Video Card nVidia GTX 1080 8GB DDR5 dedicated memory
- Monitor HP Z24i display 24' 1920x1200
- Software NIS-Elements AR v5.02
Incubation
- Okolab BoldLine Temperature unit Serial 284-1058 H101 T Unit BL
- Okolab BoldLine CO2/O2 Unit 0-10/1-18 Serial 088-1102
- Okolab OkoTouch Serial 118-224
- Lauda water-bath Model Eco RE415 S LCK 4910 Serial LCK-4910-16-0006 Okolab 1322-1006 2017-05-30
Consumables
- CO2 Tank
- N2 Tank
- Liquid Light Guide
Troubleshooting
This can happen when the liquid running through the chamber is not flowing properly.
- Pause your experiment
- Turn off the Okolab environment controller 3A and 3B
- Disconnect the blue end of the connection pipe (at the junction with the spring shape objective warmer)
- Place the open end into a dish to collect liquid
- Turn the Lauda water bath back ON (3B)
- The liquid should flow quite rapidly, if not proceed as follow
- Turn OFF the Lauda water bath (3B)
- Take the 20 mL syringe located inside the drawer labelled Tubing
- Connect it to the open end of the blue pipe
- Use the syringe to blow pressurized air into the pipes to clear it out
- Remove the syringe (and store it back into the Tubing drawer)
- Test if the liquid is now flowing properly by turning the Lauda water bath back ON (3B)
- If not repeat the procedure
- If so, turn OFF the Lauda water-bath (3B)
- Reconnect the blue and green pipes together
- Turn the Okolab environment controller 3A and 3B back ON
Be careful not to touch your sample when performing these actions as it may displace your current acquisition
How the Okolab chamber works
The liquid from the water bath enters the lead first via the red pipe
- Then it goes through the lead circuitry to keep it warm
- It exists via the unlabeled tube and enters the incubation chamber main body
- It goes through the circuitry of the main body and exits via the green labelled tube
One must maintain a decent amount of liquid in the Lauda water bath to avoid bubble formation in the circuitry
Because the circuitry inside the top lead and the incubation chamber main body is thin it can get clogged. The procedure above can solve this issue.
This happens when the mixed-gas humidifier is overfilled. Bubbles created by the gas going through the humidifier can bring liquid into the gas feed line.
- Turn off the Okolab module and the water bath
- Remove your sample and store it properly
- Dry the incubation chamber with a clean tissue
- Carefully remove the cap of the humidifier glass bottle
Pay extra care when manipulating the humidifier bottle as it is made of glass and is very fragile
- Remove distilled water from the humidifier
Humidifier shouldn't be more than 2/3rd filled
- Close the humidifier by replacing the cap
- Turn on the Okolab module and the water bath
This can happen during long experiments. The high humidity of the gas mixture condensates in the pipe between the humidifier and the incubation chamber.
- Pause your experiment
- Disconnect both ends of the yellow tube from the humidifier
- Drain the tube from any liquid
- Reconnect the yellow tube to the humidifier
- You can use a syringe or gas pressure to blow out any liquid from the incubation chamber cover
Be careful not to touch your sample when performing this action
- Wipe any liquid with a tissue
- Reconnect the yellow tube to the incubation chamber
FAQ
- Yes. This is an inverted microscope designed to look at specimen in a dish or a multi-well plate
- The objectives are optimized to image through thin glass bottom multi-well plates
- You may also image specimen mounted between a slide and a 0.17mm thick coverslip
- For long timelapse, be aware of photo-toxicity
You may use a trick to warmup the incubation chamber faster. Using this method. you should reach a stable temperature within 30 minutes.
Do NOT proceed with your sample but with a blank control (dish with distilled water for example)
- Place your blank control in the incubation chamber
- Immerge the tip of the sample temperature probe in the blank
- Set the Okolab temperature Control Mode to Chamber (Settings>Temperature>Control Mode>Chamber>Save)
- Set the Okolab temperature to 50°C (Home>Temperature>50°C>Set)
- Check the temperature of the sample (Menu Magnifier>Sample Temperature). It should take between 10 to 15 minutes for the blank to reach 30°C.
The Lauda water bath is faster to warm up water than to cool it down. Make sure to anticipate and not pass beyond the desired temperature.
If your desired temperature is 37°C, you can stop the procedure when the blank has reached 30°C.
When the blank has reach the desired temperature
- Set the Okolab temperature back to 37°C (Home>Temperature>37°C>Set)
- Set the Okolab temperature Control Mode to Sample (Settings>Temperature>Control Mode>Sample>Save)
- Wait 10 to 20 minutes until the temperature stabilizes
- Then you can safely replace the blank with your sample