Hyperspectral Cytology

Perform label-free analysis of cellular responses to infections, drugs, exogenous chemical and physical stressors with IR microscopy, including phenotyping for diagnostic perspectives.
The analysis may be performed on fixed cellular samples as well as under near-physiological conditions to preserve cell dynamics. Gain deep insights into cellular behaviours and pharmacological effects without sample damaging or staining, with cellular and subcellular lateral resolution, by hyperspectral biochemical profiling. Single point spectroscopy as well as cellular mapping are possible.

For hyperspectral cytology with cellular resolution, the instrumentation employed is the Hyperion 3000 Vis-IR microscope mounting a single point Mid-band MCT detector (10,000-600 cm^-1) and coupled with INVENIO-R Fourier Transform Infrared Interferometer, FTIR (Bruker). Transmission and reflection microscopy is possible, depending on the sample substrate and characteristics, with a lateral resolution of a few microns.

For hyperspectral cytology with sub-cellular resolution, the instrumentation employed is the Optical-Photothermal Infrared (O-PTIR) spectral microscope (Photothermal). The instrument, unique in the Italian scenario, exploits non-contact visible-probe detection of the photothermal IR effect and overcomes the spatial resolution limitation of traditional FTIR microscopy.

Sub-micrometric lateral resolution is achievable for both fixed and unfixed cellular samples. The instrument combines at the same measurements point green-excited Raman microscopy with comparable lateral resolution and epifluorescence, providing a multi-technique analytical platform in a single instrument.