Advancing Widefield Calcium Imaging with LED Illumination
LED illumination technology has replaced traditional lamps for calcium imaging applications, and there are now many options available with a variety of different features.
Meanwhile, new calcium indicators and genetically encoded calcium indicators are becoming available across the spectrum, and it’s crucial to match the LED illumination system to the calcium indicator and other application requirements.
You can find out more by reading our new white paper which explains:
1. Why are LEDs popular for calcium imaging?
The solid-state nature of LED illumination delivers numerous benefits when compared to traditional calcium imaging light source methods. These features include high-speed LED switching and individual channel control.
2. Matching the calcium indicator and LED channel
A multitude of factors must be considered when choosing the best indicator for an experimental setup, which are explained in more detail in this article from Andor. One of the most significant factors we will focus on here relates to the illumination method of choice…
3. Fura-2 Focus
For quantitative experiments, ratiometric calcium indicators are the go-to approach, reducing effects such as uneven dye loading which can reduce measurement precision. Fura-2 is the most popular ratiometric dye, and requires excitation at 340 nm and 380 nm, which was not always possible with LED illumination. However, since CoolLED introduced the pE-340fura, LED illumination has become the mainstream solution.
Powerful and controllable LED illumination has transformed widefield calcium imaging empowering researchers with efficiency and experimental flexibility. Its solid-state nature delivers high-speed switching and individual channel control, which are especially crucial for precise ratiometric measurements – and of course, we are always available to provide more information or answer any questions.
CoolLED specialises in LED microscope lighting and, since our team of four introduced the first commercially available LED microscope illuminator in 2006, we have led the way in designing and manufacturing cutting edge calcium imaging light sources amongst many others.