Light-sheet fluorescence microscope for the visualisation of cleared large tissues and 3- dimensional cell models.

Tender description

The CRUK Manchester Institute (CRUK MI), a prominent cancer research institute within the University of Manchester, engaging in research that delves into the molecular and <br />cellular underpinnings of cancer, with a focus on translational research. The Institute’s research encompasses a diverse spectrum of areas, spanning from fundamental scientific <br />inquiry to clinical trials, all with the ultimate objective of delivering tangible patient benefits. As a core-funded institute, the majority of our research is supported by the <br />public. <br />The Visualisation, Irradiation & Analysis Facility (VIA) at CRUK MI provides imaging and analysis support to research groups utilising histology, spatial technologies, high-end <br />microscopy, irradiation, and high-content screening. <br />Located on the Christie Hospital site in south Manchester, the largest single-site cancer centre in Europe, CRUK MI holds a unique position to harness the benefits of three dimensional histology for practical applications to enable real patient benefit. In response to the increasing demand for three-dimensional histology through the visualisation of cleared samples, particularly thick tissues and advanced cell models, the Institute is seeking to acquire a light sheet solution for immediate implementation. The anticipated completion date for the installation is set for the fourth quarter of 2025.<br /><br />The proposed instrument is designed to facilitate imaging of thick tissues and large, fixed 3-dimensional cell models. Tissues will be sourced from a diverse range of samples, including pancreas, lung, kidney and brain material from both in vivo model systems and human sources. Consequently, the instrument will be compatible with a range of organic and inorganic clearing methods. <br />The instrument will be integrated into a multi-user environment within a recently developed laboratory for the purpose. The generated data will be utilised in a wide range of workflows, many of which will leverage processing and analysis tools that are currently being developed within the Institute. The project will bring together many teams across the Institute in addition to the research groups, these include in vivo, Biobank, Histology, Imaging, IT, Bioinformatics and external collaborators.