Live Cell Imaging Systems

Live cell imaging systems and microscopes can use time-lapse photography to visualize living cells in a more natural state. While other cell imaging systems often require harsh lighting and toxic dyes, live cell imagers are not constrained to these limitations. In addition, researchers that perform this technique take measures to ensure the cells are maintained in a healthy state even while on the microscope stage. Microscopy techniques that can capture live cell images include confocal microscopy, phase contrast microscopy, fluorescent microscopy, and quantitative phase-contrast microscopy. Some features to consider when deciding on what live-cell imaging technology to purchase include detector sensitivity, desired speed of image acquisition, and specimen viability.