µ-Slide 4 Well Ph+

Applications

• Cultivation and microscopy of cell cultures
• Transfection assays
• Fluorescence microscopy of both living and fixed cells
• Live cell imaging over extended time periods

Phase contrast microscopy is the most commonly used, transmitted light technique in cell culture. When working with phase contrast microscopy, it is crucial to have the two phase rings adjusted to each other. In open wells, the meniscus at the air-water-interphase works like a lens that refracts the beam path. This miscalibrates the phase rings, leading to poor contrast in the microscopic image.

Working with the µ-Slide 4 Well ^Ph+ diminishes the meniscus, so that the whole optical system is aligned, no matter which position of the well is being imaged.

Specifications

Technical Features

• Open µ-Slide with 4 independent wells
• Intermediate plate in each well to avoid meniscus formation
• Easy filling, without air bubbles, through the lateral slot
• Excellent optical quality for high end microscopy
• Ph+ feature for perfect phase contrast—no meniscus formation
• Compatible with staining and fixation
• ibiTreat surface for optimal cell adhesion
• Made of biocompatible plastic material – no glue and no leaking
• Also available with a glass bottom

Experimental Example

Meniscus-Free Phase Contrast Microscopy

The µ-Slide 4 Well ^Ph+ (Phase Contrast +) is designed for excellent optical quality, especially for cell culture when normal phase contrast microscopy is being used. Opposed to the classic µ-Slide 4 Well, the Ph+ version provides a special intermediate plate in the center of the well. This plate flattens the meniscus that disturbs the phase contrast effect in normal open wells. Openings near the corners provide access to the wells for easy filling and aspiration of liquids.

This innovative technique supports meniscus-free phase contrast microscopy in a very convenient manner.

Working with the µ-Slide 4 Well ^Ph+ diminishes the meniscus and increases the area of well contrasted cells

The illustration on the left shows the perturbing effect of a meniscus. Light is refracted on the air-water-interface, leading to poor contrast in microscopy. Only the small center part exhibits satisfying phase contrast.

Working with the µ-Slide 4 Well ^Ph+ diminishes the meniscus and increases the area of nicely contrasted cells. This nice contrast is due to the parallel beam path that is created by the plate.

Comparison Ph+ Well versus Standard Well: No Meniscus Effect in Ph+ Well

Standard Well

Poor Phase Contrast
Excellent Fluorescence Microscopy

µ-Slide 4 Well ^Ph+

Excellent Phase Contrast
Excellent Fluorescence Microscopy

Excellent Phase Contrast in the µ-Slide 4 Well ^Ph+

Click to enlarge