Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) technology leader, Asylum Research, is introducing an enhanced Petri Dish Holder and Heater accessory for its MFP-3D AFMs. The Petri Dish Heater is designed for studies of living and fixed cells and other biological studies where heating in either an open or sealed environment at physiologically-relevant temperatures is desired.
Live MRC-5 fibroblasts. Phase contrast optical image of an AFM cantilever positioned over a cell (left, inset box) and 3D rendering of the AFM amplitude channel (right). The image was acquired in culture medium using AC mode, 80µm scan.
Most commercial Petri dishes are accommodated (both plastic and glass bottom) with diameters ranging from 30mm to 60mm and a selection of Petri dishes is included with the kit. The dish is magnetically clamped down for easy and fast sample exchange. Microscope slides can also be accommodated.
Heating from ambient to 45°C is supported with high accuracy and stability and temperature data can be logged and saved with each acquired AFM image. The optimized mechanical design maintains the temperature variation in the liquid to less than 0.1°C over a 1cm diameter at the center of the dish. The full diameter of the Petri dish is held to within 0.5°C.
This new product complements Asylum’s growing suite of environmental control products for the MFP-3D AFM platform, which also includes the BioHeater™ with heating up to 80°C, and the Closed Fluid Cell with 10 inlet and outlet ports for exchange of liquid or gas media while imaging. Descriptions of all environmental accessories for the MFP-3D are available under ‘Products’ at www.asylumresearch.com with links to data sheets on the individual products.