Automated widefield fluorescence microscopy system

Eastern Washington University received a $248,580 Project Grant award from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859), effective September 1, 2025 through August 31, 2026. The award funds the acquisition and installation of a Leica Microsystems Thunder Imager Live Cell, an automated brightfield, phase contrast, and inverted fluorescence microscope system equipped with an on-stage environmental chamber. The instrument enables endpoint and time-lapse imaging capabilities with programmable automated imaging protocols, multi-color fluorescence imaging, and computational clearing functionality.

The microscope system will be housed in EWU's newly renovated Microscopy Shared-Use Laboratory, an interdisciplinary facility serving the Biology, Geosciences, and Chemistry departments. The system will support active research projects in bone cell biology, neurobiology, and microbiology while advancing understanding of bone homeostasis, brain function, and antimicrobial mechanisms. Beyond research applications, the instrument will enhance undergraduate and graduate-level coursework in histology, microscopy, and cellular biology. As a shared-use facility, the Thunder Imager will be made available to EWU researchers and institutions throughout the greater Eastern Washington region, with training and supervision provided by a committee composed of the project's principal investigator and major users.

Abstract

In this application, eastern washington university (EWU) proposes purchase of a leica microsystems thunder imager live cell, an automated brightfield, phase contrast, and inverted fluorescence microscope with on-stage environmental chamber for endpoint and time- lapse imaging. Research projects in bone cell biology, neurobiology, and microbiology conducted by major users will leverage the instrument's programmable automated imaging protocols, multi-color fluorescence imaging, and computational clearing to interrogate cultured to better understand mechanisms of bone homeostasis, brain function, and anti-microbial agents. In addition to supporting current and future research projects, the system will support undergraduate- and graduate-level courses in histology, microscopy, and cellular biology. Consisting of the microscope, motorized stage, objective, filter, and environmental chamber components, the thunder imager and its controlling computer will be housed in EWU's newly renovated microscopy shared-use lab, an interdisciplinary facility that will host research and education activities from multiple departments including biology, geosciences, and chemistry. This facility will provide preparation areas for specimen processing for scanning electron microscopy and fluorescent and live-cell imaging with the proposed system. As part of a shared facility, the thunder imager will be available for research and educational use to all members of the EWU community and other institutions within the greater eastern washington region, with training and supervision provided by a committee composed of the project's principal investigator and major users. Acquisition of this system will enhance EWU's research capacity and contribute to a richer training experience for our students.