Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) has
announced an expanded set of capabilities for its popular 6000ILM atomic force
microscope. Designed to facilitate molecular imaging, live-cell imaging, force
studies and mechanical stimulus studies, the Agilent 6000ILM AFM is a versatile
single-system solution that seamlessly integrates the capabilities of an atomic
force microscope with those of an inverted light microscope or an inverted
confocal microscope.
Additions to the 6000ILM platform
include an incubator perfusion cell sample plate, advanced force-volume
spectroscopy capabilities, and top-view video optics.
"The impetus for extending the
capabilities of the 6000ILM AFM was to put increasingly powerful and useful
tools into the hands of life science researchers," said Jeff Jones,
operations manager for Agilent's nanoinstrumentation facility in Chandler,
Ariz. "The ability to utilize force-volume spectroscopy or to perform
simultaneous optical and AFM imaging under precisely controlled liquid or
gaseous environmental conditions, for instance, immediately expands
experimental horizons."
To facilitate dynamic studies in fluid,
Agilent has made available a new 6000ILM perfusion cell sample plate that
provides continuous perfusion, offers variable flow-through and maintains
liquid level. When even more control is required, Agilent also offers a new
6000ILM incubator perfusion cell sample plate that boasts a sealed chamber, in
and out ports for flow-through of liquids and gases, and the ability to heat to
40 C. With these solutions, researchers can maintain cell viability for up to
eight hours. The 6000ILM also supports a number of specially designed sample
plates that accommodate cover slips, microscope slides or petri dishes, as well
as a controlled-temperature sample plate with heating to 80 C.
Moreover, Agilent's PicoView software
now gives 6000ILM system users an extensive range of AFM force-volume
spectroscopy capabilities. Results are fast and reliable. Researchers can use
their own algorithms and plug-ins, select their own data points on the fly,
acquire force-curve measurements on any data point, and change experimental
parameters in real time.
The state-of-the-art 6000ILM system can
now also be configured with a brand new top-view video optics package that
includes a color camera, enabling researchers to see opaque samples during
scanning. The system also gives users the ability to view AFM tip placement
from above, which aids positioning and focusing.
Additional advantages of the 6000ILM
platform include unrivaled in-liquid AFM imaging via Agilent's patented MAC
Mode and real-time molecular recognition imaging via Agilent's exclusive
PicoTREC toolkit.
For ease of use, the 6000ILM utilizes a
computer-controlled laser with automated photodetector alignment. A
high-stability, low-noise, motorized stage directs the movement of the sample
beneath the AFM tip for measurement. Powerful yet easy-to-use PicoView software
provides impressive built-in system functionality, such as point-and-shoot AFM
imaging based on an optical image as well as the rapid creation of precisely
registered overlays of fluorescence/DIC and AFM images - valuable capabilities
that are standard with every 6000ILM.
AFM Instrumentation from Agilent
Technologies
Agilent Technologies offers
high-precision, modular AFM solutions for research, industry and education.
Exceptional worldwide support is provided by experienced application scientists
and technical service personnel. Agilent's leading-edge R&D laboratories
are dedicated to the timely introduction and optimization of innovative and
easy-to-use AFM technologies.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is
the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in chemical
analysis, life sciences, electronics and communications. The company's 18,700
employees serve customers in more than 100 countries. Agilent had net revenues
of $6.6 billion in fiscal 2011. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com.