Facility & Core

NOVA Lab operates an integrated multispectral imaging platform designed for quantitative evaluation of molecular probes and nanoparticle transport across biological scales. By combining synchronized NIR-I and high-sensitivity NIR-II detection systems, we enable simultaneous anatomical referencing, spectral discrimination, and deep-tissue fluorescence imaging for translational nanomedicine research.

NIR-I Imaging Subsystem: Condor3 3-CCD Camera

The custom-engineered Condor3 3-CCD camera (Alternative Vision, Tucson, AZ) provides simultaneous acquisition of visible and dual NIR-I channels through a precision prism-based optical splitting system.

A neutral, non-polarizing beam splitter with internal dichroic coatings divides broadband incident light into three spectrally equivalent paths prior to filtering. The optical splitting mechanism ensures balanced spatial and spectral distribution across channels, preserving signal integrity.

Channel configuration:

• Visible channel: 650 nm short-pass filter (anatomical reference imaging)

• NIR-I channel 1: 710/40 nm bandpass filter

• NIR-I channel 2: 776 nm long-pass filter
  
  

Each channel utilizes a Sony ICX 692 CCD sensor (1280 × 720 resolution, 4.08 μm pixel size, 14-bit depth), enabling synchronized multispectral acquisition at 24 FPS. This architecture supports ratiometric analysis, multi-fluorophore discrimination, and quantitative NIR-I biodistribution studies.

NIR-II Imaging Subsystem: Ninox640 InGaAs Camera

For deep-tissue fluorescence imaging, NOVA Lab employs the Ninox640 InGaAs camera, optimized for detection in the NIR-II window (900–1700 nm).

The high quantum efficiency and low-noise InGaAs sensor enable sensitive detection of long-wavelength emissions with reduced tissue scattering and autofluorescence. This system supports:

• Whole-body small-animal imaging

• Real-time biodistribution monitoring

• Dynamic pharmacokinetic modeling

• Evaluation of renal clearance and tissue penetration
  
  

The extended NIR-II detection range allows improved signal-to-background contrast and enhanced spatial resolution at depth compared to conventional NIR-I systems.

Trifoil InSyTe FLECT/CT™ (3D NIR optical imaging with CT)

3D NIR tomographic optical imaging system (InSyTe FLECT/CT™, TriFoil Imaging) is an innovative instrument that offers 3D NIR optical imaging with high-quality anatomical reference in a single platform. The InSyTe™ platform, based on Fluorescence Emission Computed Tomography (FLECT), provides unparalleled capability for whole body imaging and in vivo characterization of preclinical, small animal models. It integrates two 3D imaging modalities into a single instrument by enabling co-registered FLECT and X-ray CT. It utilizes a patented, rotating gantry design to collect optical and X-ray-based projections of the animal. When combined with NIR probes and laser excitation, this allows for enhanced sensitivity (up to the pM range) and accurate 3D data acquisition, especially when looking for low-level and/or deep signals during fluorescence detection. Image reconstruction algorithms utilize segmented X-ray CT data to assess changes in optical properties within the animal, providing accurate reconstruction visualizations.

Figure. Schematic diagram and photograph of fluorescence emission computed tomography (FLECT) system (InSyTe, Trifoil Imaging), and images of a mouse injected with NIR probes.

BioTek Cytation 5 Imaging Multimode Reader

The NOVA Lab is equipped with the Cytation 5 cell imaging reader, combines automated microscopy and conventional microplate detection in a configurable, upgradable platform. This versatile imaging platform enables simultaneous acquisition of quantitative well-based data and high-content phenotypic information within a single instrument. The system is operated using Gen5™ Microplate Reader and Imager Software, which provides full control over imaging and data acquisition, as well as advanced image and data analysis capabilities for generating publication-quality figures and datasets.

1. The multi-mode readers offer a plate reader functions with the multi-mode detection modules including filter- and monochromator-based fluorescence detection, luminescence and UV-Vis absorbance detection, and time resolved fluorescence (secondary mode):

• Tunable wavelength monochromator optical systems for selecting specific wavelengths

2. A micro-volume analysis system with Take3 module allows for 16 samples in one run to save a lot of time compared to single-sample devices:

• Gen5 is pre-programmed for ssDNA, dsDNA, RNA and protein quantification in 2 μL.

• Spectrophotometric determination of dsDNA, ssDNA, RNA at A260

• Fluorometric determination of dsDNA with fluorescent dyes, for example, PicoGreen

• Determination of purity based on A260/A280 ratios

3. The microscopy module offers a full range of microscopy resolution in fluorescence covering 250-900 nm for visible and near-infrared compatible fluorescence imaging, brightfield, fluorescence, high contrast brightfield, color brightfield and phase contrast imaging in microplates and a wide variety of labware, from slides to cell culture flasks:

• Full range of microscopy resolution (the highest quality objectives 4x, 10x, 20x, 60x)

• Up to four choices of full range of fluorescence filter cubes available (DAPI, GFP, RFP, CY5, CY7)

• Up to four choices of excitation LED available (365, 465, 523, 623, 655, 740 nm)

• Temperature control, including the condensation control gradient

• Labware adapters for microscope slides, cell culture dishes, chamber slides, microplates, T75 flasks and hemocytometers.

• Auto focus capabilities: Imaging based autofocus, user trained, laser autofocus for high reproducibility and accuracy for automated imaging and long-term kinetics.

• The High Contrast (HC) cell counting application uses modified brightfield imaging to generate a bright point of light for each cell that is easily identified and counted by Gen5™ software without the use of labels

JuLi Stage

JuLI Stage Real-Time Cell History Recorder (NanoenTek Inc., South Korea) is designed to support cell biology researchers to approach kinetic images and data from the start to the end so that they can save their time and can focus on more advanced and valuable work for their research. JuLi Stage is a fully automated real-time cell history recorder that directly acquires cell images from numerous cell culture plates (6 to 384 wells) and dishes in an incubator. JuLi Stage supports the multi-channel fluorescent colors and multiple objective lens, and the sensitive filter-based optics are optimized for live cell assays. It also enables users to obtain the quantified cell confluence results with low variation and the growth curve using images based analysis with a bright field.

Main Features

• Incubator-compatible

• Fully automated X-Y-Z stage

• Interchangeable objective lens (4x, 10x, 20x)

• Manual & auto focusing

• Compatible with various plates & vessels

• Data management with all-in-one PC

Figure. Photo of Juli stage in the cell incubator and real-time images of U2 OS cell with GFP/RFP expressions.

Peptide/Protein Core Facility

Location of Core: The Peptide/Protein Core Facility is located in Building 149, Room #4-314A in Charlestown Navy Yard.

Major Equipment: The core has the following major pieces of equipment that are currently used in the facility:

1. Two Life Technologies/Applied Biosystems peptide synthesizers, Models 431A and A33A
2. Three AAPPTEC 396 Synthesizers, Models MBS, Omega and Apex
3. An Intavis, Model Multipep synthesizer
4. Two Waters Analytical HPLCs
5. A Waters Ultra High Pressure LC, UPLC
6. Three Waters semi-prep HPLCs for 5-50mg scale purifications
7. A Waters Delta-Prep System for 100-500mg scale peptide purifications
8. An Applied Biosystems Microbore HPLC
9. A Beckman HPLC
10. An ABI 491 Protein Sequencer

https://researchcores.partners.org/pepcor/about