Arcturus XT™ Microdissection System

• Laser Capture Microdissection and UV Laser Cutting
• Open, Modular Platform
• Simple, Intuitive Operation
• Superior Image Quality
• Sample Custody Maintained at all Times

The Arcturus^XT™ is a unique microdissection system that combines Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) and Ultraviolet (UV) Laser Cutting in one instrument.
The open, modular design of the Arcturus^XT platform provides unparalleled research flexibility and versatility. The system removes the guesswork from the microdissection process by allowing researchers to maintain custody of the sample throughout the microdissection process.

The solid-state IR laser, exclusive to the Arcturus^XT microdissection system, delivers a gentle capture technique, maximizing biomolecule integrity and ideal for single cells and small number of cells. The solid-state UV laser delivers unprecedented speed and precision, ideal for dense tissue structures and for capturing large number of cells.

The Arcturus^XT microdissection instrument is modularized to suit any dynamic research need. The system utilizes a Nikon TE2000U® research-grade inverted microscope with a variety of options available at the time of purchase or later. Each instrument has IR-enabled LCM, an interactive pen-display monitor, and a trackball actuated stage for easy and ergonomic navigation. The system may be configured with LED brightfield illumination or high-intensity halogen illumination, enabling Phase Contrast and Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) applications. Arcturus^XT maybe purchased with or without UV laser cutting and attenuable fluorescence. A wide range of objectives are available, including 2X-100X Dry, and 100X Oil. A high-resolution megapixel camera may be added for ultimate image quality, and a second flatscreen monitor may be included for maximized workstation efficiency.

The simple, intuitive user interface places the focus on research. From sample loading to extraction of biomolecules, the uncomplicated workflow maximizes experimental efficiency.

Automatic electronic documentation may be employed to record each step of the process— before and after microdissection. Static images and live video can be taken at any point during the process. View the CapSure® LCM cap at the QC station for positive identification of captured material, and utilize Capture Groups to display and track all individual and group area measurements.

The unique combination of IR laser capture and UV laser cutting permits the use of any slide type and any sample preparation. Choose from glass, glass membrane or framed membrane slides for contact or non-contact microdissection. Any specimen preparation may be used:

• thin or thick sections
• frozen or formalin-fixed tissues
• stained, fluorescently stained, or unstained sections
• hydrated or dehydrated specimens
• fine needle aspirates
• forensic smears
• live plant
• cell cultures

The Arcturus^XT system’s open platform allows for upgrade and expansion of the instrument as research requirements change. The available microscope port lets the user modify the system for alternate applications with potential add-ons such as optical trap laser tweezers for high-precision micromanipulation of microscopic particles, or a second camera for high-resolution imaging. The system design also makes possible the addition of an environmental control chamber, providing optimal conditions for live cell and cell culture applications.