Research Services

1. Micrographic observation and documentation

a). research microscopes: Leica 5500B, Olympus BX50, Olympus IX70, Olympus BH-2 enable observation over a wide range of magnifications (1-100x magnification lenses) in bright field, dark field, polarised light, phase contrast, differential interference contrast (DIC), epifluorescence.

Observation process is facilitated by motorised z-axis (focusing), coded position of each lens, fully automated system for observation under transmitted light, fully automated epifluorescence observation system, fully automated observation system using interference-difference contrast, polarised light or a combination of different slide illumination techniques.

b). research stereo microscopes: Leica 205C, Leica 125A, Olympus SZX-10, Zeiss Stemi 11 enable observation

• in transmitted light (bright field, Rotterman contrast),
• in reflected light.

Microphotographic documentation of observations with both microscopes is facilitated by:

• 3-megapixel multipurpose camera DFC 290HD,
• a 12-megapixel Peltier-cooled camera dedicated to epifluorescence and polarised light observations DFC500.

The software (LAS- Leica Application Suite) enables configuration and control of the microscope and cameras, making measurements and annotations on microphotographs, taking microphotographs with an enlarged depth of field. High-quality optics and automated microscope and camera operation (save and recall function) make observation and microphotographic documentation fast and simple, and the results obtained are of the highest quality.

Equipment:

Microscopes:

• research optical microscopes: LEICA 5500B with DIC contrast and high resolution DF500 i DFC 290 HD digital camera and image analysis software, OLYMPUS IX70, BH2, BX50, with Olympus digital camera and interference-difference contrast,

• stereoscopic microscopes: LEICA 205C, LEICA 125A, OLYMPUS SZX-10, ZEISS Stemi 11 and others.

Apparatus for molecular research:

• CFX96 Real-Time PCR measuring instrument,

• C 1000 Thermal Cycler With 48/48 Dual Fast Reaction Module-Gradient,

• GelDocXR PLUS gel documentation system, PC 220 V,

• Wide Mini-Sub Cell GT electrophoresis unit,

• Eppendorff centrifuges: MiniSpin Plus, Centrifuge 5804 R, Centrifuge 54 17 R,

• Thermomixer 5355-Comfort,

• laminar flow cabinets (Alpina, ESCO PCR Vertical, Misonix VLF, POLON,

• spektrophotometer Pico Drop,

• homogeniser TissueLyser II.

Apparatus for isolation, breeding and studies of biology and ecology of various organisms:

• bioreactors e. g. NewBrunswick 415 and prototype ones for testing,

• incubators with different working volumes, programmable, digitally controlled (Memmert),

• Memmert air-conditioning chamber,

• criofreezers (New Brunswick Scientific),

• freezers TYP ZLN 180,

• cold store for pathogen strains,

• thermostated room,

• rooms for rearing test insects.