Acquisition System FAQs
Which fluorophores can I use with the Optix system?
The choice of fluorophores or nanoparticles is determined by the light sources and fluorescence filters installed in the system. Optix can be configured with up to four integrated pulsed lasers and an external laser to detect most fluorophores emitting above 450 nm. See Laser Kits for a description of the available laser kits and a list of applicable fluorophores.
What advantages does fluorescence have over bioluminescence?
First, in vivo fluorescence imaging is a more broadly based, versatile imaging modality. Every bioluminescence experiment has an analogous fluorescence experiment, but the converse is not necessarily true due to the limited availability of some mouse models. It is also difficult to validate bioluminescence results, as bioluminescence is only created in living cells. Fluorescent proteins, on the other hand, can be easily imaged in vitro or ex vivo to give high-resolution microscopic images of what was generating the in vivo signals. Lastly, the use of “activatable” fluorescent reagents, which can turn on in the presence of particular enzymes or biochemical conditions, has no analog in bioluminescence.
Why is the Optix system so highly sensitive for in vivo imaging?
One of the limiting factors for in vivo fluorescence detection sensitivity is interference from autofluorescence. The time domain technology used in the Optix system can eliminate some sources of autofluorescence through the use of lifetime gating. Software algorithms to remove the background during post-processing are also available in OptiView.
Strategies employed by the Optix system to overcome other limitations of in vivo imaging is to optimize the signal-to-noise and signal-to-background ratios independently for each region of interest and to provide 3D translation of the illumination spot on the surface of the animal at all scan points.
What agent should I use to anesthetize my animal? Are the anesthesia system and set-up included with the system?
Isoflurane can be used as an inhalation agent, within a protocol approved by the ACC. The anesthesia system and set-up are available as accessories.
Can I use the system on other animal models, such as rats?
Yes, although you may be limited by the system’s 200 x 90 mm field of view.
Does the new system use the same hardware as the previous MX2 and eXplore Optix devices?
No. The system has been fully re-designed to provide dramatically increased reliability, repeatability, throughput, and usability within a much smaller footprint. In addition, the system’s TD3 files are not compatible with previous versions of OptiView.
Will ART continue to support the previous versions of the device?
Yes.
Where can I see a demonstration of the system?
Contact ART to request a demo.