New Widefield Super-Resolution System for Applications in Biomedical Research

The Leica SR GSD Microscope System Visualizes Small Subcellular Structures Far Below the Resolution Limit

August 23, 2011 – Wetzlar, Germany. With the new Leica SR GSD from Leica Microsystems, scientists can now achieve resolutions far below the limit of diffraction that have never been attained before in widefield fluorescence microscopy. The system is capable of resolving details as small as 20 nanometers. This enables research of structures of single proteins and other biomolecules in cells and observation of molecular processes to gain new insights into fundamental processes of life.

Leica SR GSD – Widefield super-resolution with ground state depletion (GSDIM)

The Leica SR GSD is based on GSDIM technology (Ground State Depletion followed by Individual Molecule return; exclusively licensed from MPI Goettingen, based on the work of Professor Stefan Hell). It has already delivered amazing results in scientific experiments during its test phase. One of the key advantages of the GSDIM method is that it can be used with conventional fluorescence labels routinely applied in fluorescence imaging applications. GSDIM provides the highest resolution possible with a light microscope today, almost equaling that of an electron microscope.

Extended super-resolution portfolio

Based on many years of experience in super-resolution microscopy with its confocal laser scanning microscopy systems Leica TCS STED (2007) and Leica TCS STED CW (2009), Leica Microsystems is now extending its innovative portfolio of super-resolution light microscopy and nanoscopy products. “We are thrilled that the outstanding performance of the new Leica SR GSD has been confirmed by many experts. We have already received orders from the research community, and are eagerly awaiting first publications,” comments Sebastian Tille, head of the Business Segment ‘Widefield Imaging’ at Leica Microsystems.

Highly Integrated Multi-Modal System

The Leica SR GSD is based on a fully automated TIRF system (Total Internal Reflection Fluorescence). Combining the benefits of super-resolution with TIRF microscopy is one of many options. The system can also be used for a wide range of applications in all areas of live cell microscopy and high-end fluorescence microscopy. As a flexible, multi-functional system, the Leica SR GSD gives researchers the freedom to tailor the system exactly to their needs.

Novel Drift Optimization

The prevention of drift during image acquisition is a key issue in super-resolution microscopy for exact localization of molecules. The Leica SR GSD is equipped with the novel SuMo Stage technology (SUpressed MOtion) that guarantees minimum drift, eliminating the need for time-consuming drift compensation post acquisition. With the Leica SR GSD the user can immediately see the super-resolution image of the selected sample location during acquisition. The reduction of drift also simplifies specimen preparation, as there is no need to use gold particles or other standards for reference. The Leica SR GSD is a reliable research tool for a wide range of biomedical applications, providing neuroscientists, cell biologists, virologists, structural biologists, microbiologists, and physiologists with new opportunities for studying the function and interaction of single molecules and visualization of sub-cellular structures.

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Leica Microsystems is a world leader in microscopes and scientific instruments. Founded as a family business in the nineteenth century, the company’s history was marked by unparalleled innovation on its way to becoming a global enterprise.

Its historically close cooperation with the scientific community is the key to Leica Microsystems’ tradition of innovation, which draws on users’ ideas and creates solutions tailored to their requirements. At the global level, Leica Microsystems is organized in four divisions, all of which are among the leaders in their respective fields: the Life Science Division, Industry Division, Biosystems Division and Medical Division.

Leica Microsystems’ Biosystems Division, also known as Leica Biosystems, offers histopathology laboratories the most extensive product range with appropriate products for each work step in histology and for a high level of productivity in the working processes of the entire laboratory.

The company is represented in over 100 countries with 12 manufacturing facilities in 7 countries, sales and service organizations in 19 countries and an international network of dealers. The company is headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany.

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