Arcturus^XT™ Laser Capture Microdissection Instrument

The ARCTURUS^XT™ microdissection system is a unique combination of infrared (IR) laser-enabled Laser Capture Microdissection (LCM) and Ultraviolet (UV) Laser Cutting in one platform. The open, modular design of the ARCTURUS^XT™ system provides unparalleled research flexibility and versatility. Arcturus™ Laser Capture Microdissection instruments, combined with ARCTURUS™ microgenomics reagents, gives you the industry’s only complete solution for microgenomics research.

Key product features:

• Consolidated design – precise IR laser capture microdissection and UV laser cutting in one single instrument
• Fast functioning – rapid isolation of specific cells in four simple steps
• Open, modular platform – flexible to suit numerous research needs
• Easy, intuitive operation – simplified workflow through streamlined interface
• Flexible sample prep – wide range of slide types and sample preparations supported

A Unique Offering of Laser Capture and Laser Cutting Microdissection
The solid-state IR laser – exclusive to the ArcturusXT™ microdissection system – delivers a gentle capture technique, which preserves biomolecular integrity and is ideal for single cells or a small number of cells. The solid-state UV laser delivers unprecedented speed and precision, well-suited for microdissecting dense tissue structures and for rapidly capturing large numbers of cells.

Rapidly Isolate Pure Cell Populations for Microgenomic Analysis
Laser capture microdissection allows for rapid isolation of specific cells in four simple steps. After locating the cells of interest, the CapSure™ LCM Cap is placed over the target area. Pulsing the ArcturusXT™ System laser through the cap activates the film on the cap to adhere to the target cells. Lifting the cap removes the target cells now attached to the cap. The isolated cells are now available for extraction of biomolecules. Figure 4 shows examples of cells isolated from samples.

Modular Flexibility to Fit Your Needs
The ArcturusXT™ microdissection instrument is modularized to suit any dynamic research need (see figures). The system utilizes a Nikon Eclipse Ti-E inverted research microscope with a variety of options available at the time of purchase or post-purchase. Each instrument has IR-enabled LCM, an interactive pen-display monitor, and a trackball actuated stage for easy and ergonomic navigation. Additional modules that may be added include LED brightfield illumination or high-intensity halogen illumination, enabling Phase Contrast and Differential Interference Contrast (DIC) microscopy applications. The ArcturusXT™ system may be purchased with or without UV laser cutting and attenuable fluorescence. A wide range of objectives are available, including a 2X-100X dry objective and a 100X oil-immersion objective. For ultimate image quality and analysis, a high-resolution megapixel camera may be added.

Simplified Workflow Through Streamlined User Interface
The simple, intuitive user interface places the focus on research (Figure 2). From loading of samples to extraction of biomolecules, the uncomplicated workflow maximizes experimental efficiency.

Ultimate Flexibility In Sample Source And Preparation
The unique combination of IR laser capture and UV laser cutting permits the use of any slide type from glass, glass membrane, or framed membrane slides for contact or non-contact microdissection.

In addition, a variety of specimen preparation may be used (refer to figures). Examples include:

• thin or thick sections
• frozen or formalin-fixed tissues
• chromogenic stained, fluorescently stained, or unstained sections
• hydrated or dehydrated specimens
• fine needle aspirates
• forensic smears
• live plant whole-mount preparations
• live cell cultures