The acquisition of a spinning disk confocal microscope

The National Institute of General Medical Sciences awarded Winthrop University $249,702 on August 5, 2026, to acquire a spinning disk confocal microscope under the Biomedical Research and Research Training program (CFDA 93.859).

The Echo confocal microscope will replace a 17-year-old Olympus FV-1000 spectral laser-scanning confocal microscope that has experienced mechanical failure and is no longer serviceable. The instrument will support faculty and student research, student training in classes including BIOL530 (Current Methods in Microscopy), faculty recruitment, and outreach programs at Winthrop University. The system will enable high-resolution 3D immunofluorescence imaging and live-cell time-lapse imaging with reduced photobleaching through spinning disk technology, image stitching of large tissue sections, and Z-stacking capabilities. The microscope is equipped with six objectives (2X, 4X, 10X, 20X, 40X, and 60X oil), four laser lines (405, 488, 555, and 640), and two cameras—one monochrome and one color—to serve both experienced microscopists and non-microscopy users.

Currently, investigators rely on four non-confocal fluorescent microscopes purchased before 2008 or outsource imaging to other universities, creating financial and operational barriers to top-tier research. Place of performance is Rock Hill, South Carolina. The period of performance runs from August 5, 2026, through August 4, 2027.

Abstract

The acquisition of the echo confocal microscope is essential for the progress and success of faculty research, student research, student training in classes, recruitment of new faculty, and outreach programs at winthrop university in south carolina. The spinning disk confocal microscope system will provide the opportunity to acquire high resolution 3D immunofluorescence images through an easy-to-use interface for experienced microscopists and non-microscopy users alike. Currently, investigators are relying on four fluorescent microscopes (non-confocal) purchased before 2008 or outsourcing to other universities for their imaging. Our 17-year-old olympus FV-1000 spectral laser- scanning confocal microscope has recently fully malfunctioned due to mechanical failure of the laser throughput and due to its advanced age, the mechanical parts are no longer in production and unavailable for purchase. The lack of a functional confocal microscope is hindering our ability to perform top-tier research without external support, which is financially prohibitive for some of our researchers, and limits our ability to teach specific classes such as BIOL530, current methods in microscopy. Therefore, we have a significant need for a new, fully functional confocal imaging system like the echo microscope that allows for diverse imaging applications, including z-stacking. Our echo microscope will be equipped with six APO or fluorite phase objectives (2X, 4X, 10X, 20X, 40X, and a 60X oil), four laser lines (405, 488, 555, and 640), and two cameras (one monochrome 95% QE with 2048X2048 and one color 5MP with 2448X2048) that will meet the needs of all users. The echo confocal is equipped with live imaging capabilities and reduces photobleaching by utilizing spinning disk technology. In addition, IT allows time-lapse imaging of live cells without complications of phototoxicity, image stitching of large tissue sections, and fast acquisition of 3D volumetric multi- channel images. These features will be used for a diverse range of NIH and SC inbre funded biomedical research projects such as cellular transcriptional regulation of glioblastomas and prostate cancer, fluorescent tagging of neurotransmitters, corneal and retinal development and maintenance, and tissue-specific DNA repair mutants in drosophila. This user group has an immediate need for the echo microscope to support current projects and to expand and innovate their biomedical research programs. Our new echo confocal will be housed in the winthrop microscopy facility that is central to all faculty and students. The microscopy facility is overseen by the biology department's microscopy committee. The user- friendly interface of the echo confocal microscope will also accelerate the number of faculty and students that can be trained for their research and/or educational projects.