Asylum Research MFP-3D-Bio AFM

This AFM is on an inverted optical brightfield/fluorescence microscope and is in a Biosafety Level 2 lab.

The MFP-3D-Bio from Asylum Research (with optional brightfield/fluorescence microscopy integration using the Olympus IX71 inverted optical microscope) features a closed-loop, low noise, high precision scanner for use with samples in air or fluid. Maximum lateral scan size is 90 µm x 90 µm, and maximum vertical range is 28 µm (closed loop, or 40 µm open loop).

In addition to modes requiring no additional hardware, the MFP-3D-Bio is compatible with all accessories for the MFP-3D-SA instruments, such as the Polymer Heater and closed fluid cell, as well as the following accessories and upgrades:

• Petri Dish Heater (ambient to 45 °C)
• BioHeater with associated Environmental Controller
• Extended Z range (28 µm closed loop, 40 µm open loop)
• Lateral deflection hardware adjustment
• Superior-quality acoustic enclosure for environmental stability

Samples can be measured in air or fluid.  Water and commonly used buffers are compatible media; for other fluids or gases, please contact AFM lab staff to verify instrument compatibility with that medium.

Common applications include tapping or contact mode cell imaging (living or nonliving), tissue imaging for flat tissue samples, force-distance curves, and force mapping.  This instrument can also be used for non-biological samples such as hydrogels or any AFM-compatible sample.

The primary consumables for this technique are AFM tips/probes.  Specialized tips will be needed for specific applications.  Samples may be mounted on glass slides or coverslips (for measurement in air) or in petri dishes such as those listed in the datasheet on https://afm.oxinst.com/products/mfp-3d-liquid-environmental-control/mfp-3d-petri-dish-heater-and-petri-dish-holder.  Sample- and application-specific guidance will be given during instrument training.

While the Cypher AFM and the MFP-3D-SA AFMs in B12 MRL (the main AFM lab) are also capable of analyzing Biosafety Level 1 samples, the MFP-3D-Bio enables such measurements in a Biosafety Level 2 environment.  In addition, the extended Z range (28 µm closed loop or 40 µm open loop) makes it easier to measure larger biomaterial samples such as tissue or large cells.  The inverted optical brightfield/fluorescence microscope enables simultaneous imaging with optical microscopy from beneath and AFM from above.

The Olympus IX71 inverted optical microscope is capable of brightfield imaging and fluorescence imaging with filters optimized for DAPI, FITC, and TRITC.  20x, 40x, and 100x objectives are currently installed.