Hasselt University's Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), in collaboration with the Advanced Optical Microscopy Centre (AOMC), has significantly upgraded its research capabilities with the installation of two state-of-the-art instruments: a Miltenyi MACSima and a Leica LMD7 with THUNDER computational clearing. These advanced additions, operational since June, position the institute and the university at the forefront of advanced microscopic analysis.

The Miltenyi MACSima introduces high-throughput, high-plex imaging to the centre. This automated system allows researchers to profile over 100 markers with remarkable spatial resolution using cyclic immunofluorescence. It streamlines the entire staining and imaging process, providing comprehensive proteomic analysis crucial for understanding complex biological systems.

Complementing this, the Leica LMD7 with THUNDER offers precise laser microdissection combined with innovative computational clearing. The LMD7 enables the accurate isolation of specific cells or regions of interest from diverse biological samples. Its integrated THUNDER technology enhances visualization by removing out-of-focus haze, ensuring clear, high-contrast 3D images even from thick specimens. This combined approach promises superior data quality for detailed sample preparation and in-depth image analysis.

These new instruments will be used in multiple research projects and existing studies, providing unparalleled insights into cellular and tissue structures. While serving as a vital resource for the Biomedcial Research Institute, the cutting-edge infrastructure and expertise are open to external collaborators from both academia and industry.