Core imaging facilities represent a strategic approach to operating high-end microscope systems, providing a robust base of microscopy expertise and knowledge that is accessible to a wide range of researchers. With approximately 200 active users per year at facilities such as the Center of Advanced Imaging (CAi) at the Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf (HHU) in Germany, headed by Prof. Stefanie Weidtkamp-Peters, these centers foster collaboration and innovation across scientific disciplines.

The systematic acquisition of new microscope systems ensures that researchers have access to cutting-edge technology. In addition, centralized data storage and IT infrastructure facilitate seamless data management and accessibility. Long-term funding through user fees ensures that all microscopes remain operational and equipped with the latest software versions, enhancing both research and teaching capabilities. This model not only optimizes the use of resources, but also cultivates an environment in which scientific inquiry can flourish.

At the CAi, confocal laser scanning microscopes are used for approximately 2000 hours or more per year in a wide variety of research areas. A major focus at HHU is plant research. As other super-resolution techniques quickly reach their limits in plant tissues, the Airyscan module on the LSM 880, for example, is very popular for achieving a significant resolution improvement over standard confocal imaging in plant samples.

To ensure that users can take full advantage of this functionality, they receive additional training on the Airyscan module after the initial half-day training on the confocal microscope and some hands-on experience with the instrument. During this second training session, users are also taught how to recognize and avoid image processing artifacts, enabling them to independently generate reliable data with this more advanced imaging method.

The LSMs continue to be the workhorses of the CAi. They are booked almost continuously by our users.

While plant researchers typically prefer upright stands for their microscopy experiments, the CAi has only inverted microscope stands. This compromise in instrument configuration is necessary because many biomedical researchers also use the CAi systems to perform experiments such as live cell imaging with the confocal microscopes. For such applications, an inverted microscope stand is essential, as live cells are best observed during experiments through a glass bottom in small Petri dishes in their media solution.

A major challenge for the CAi team is to perform regular performance checks on the systems, despite the high workload and demand for microscope training. These performance checks are critical to identify issues such as scratches on the front lens of an objective or misalignment of an optical path to ensure the reliability of the microscope systems.

WAVE line for the analysis of membrane compartments. A fluorescently labeled marker shows the membrane of the vacuoles (green). The cell walls were stained with propidium iodide (red). Imaged with ZEISS LSM 880 with Airyscan.

The central shoot meristem, surrounded by developing young flowers, shows the localization of the fluorescence-labeled receptor CLAVATA1 (magenta). The cell walls were stained with propidium iodide (white). Imaged with ZEISS LSM 780.

By focusing on the development of robust tools, standards, and infrastructure, we can enhance data reliability and sustainability, ultimately empowering researchers to make significant contributions to their fields.

The strategic operation of core imaging facilities not only optimizes resource utilization but also cultivates an environment where scientific inquiry can grow, paving the way for future discoveries and advancements in microscopy and beyond.