Is ibiSeal compatible with phase contrast imaging?

Yes, ibiSeal is compatible with phase contrast microscopy. However, for optimal image quality, you should keep both meniscus formation and condensation in mind.

Meniscus formation: When imaging with phase contrast, a naturally occurring meniscus can interfere with the beam path, negatively affecting your image. A more thorough explanation of the phenomenon can be found in our Phase Contrast Application Chapter.

Condensation: If you have condensation within your optical pathway (e.g., on the lid or ibiSeal of your vessel), the small water droplets will cause light to scatter, negatively impacting image quality. Condensation happens when you put a vessel with warm medium from the incubator in a colder environment, which allows the warm humid air in the vessel to condense on the now cold surface of the lid/ibiSeal.

These phenomenons can be minimized by so-called 'meniscus flattening', achieved by placing a coverslip or ibiSeal over a completely full well, while avoiding any trapped air bubbles. ibiSeal sticks best to dry surfaces, but it can also be attached to wet surfaces from overflowing wells. Please note that with this method you will get well-to-well cross contamination, since it is not possible to prevent a slight overflow when placing a coverslip or ibiSeal on top. Therefore, we only recommend meniscus flattening for end point imaging. To find out if ibiSeal works with your specific experiment, we recommend testing it with a Free Sample.

Helpful? (0) (0)