Advanced Bio-Imaging Unit
The Unit’s microscopy portfolio includes epifluorescence, confocal laser instruments, as well as “custom-made” multiphoton instruments. Our microscopes can perform experiments up to 5D (x / y / z / t / λ o τ). Among the tools that we master : FLIM, FRET, phasor graphs, autofluorescence, harmonic generation, deep tissue imaging, FCS and related techniques.
The unit electron microscopy is part of the service “Trace Elements and Nanomaterials” (Trace elements and nanomaterials | sciensano.be) of the scientific direction “Chemical and Physical Health Risks” Chemical and physical health risks | sciensano.be of Sciensano.
We characterise the physicochemical properties of nanomaterials in a regulatory context, using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), focusing on nanomaterials in the food chain, medicines, cosmetics and the (working) environment.
Thanks to our expertise in TEM analysis, we are able to make pictures (electron micrographs) of particles at a nanometric (nm) scale. Based on these pictures, we assess the size of the particles and describe their morphology, aggregation and agglomeration state and their crystallinity. The presence of contaminants and impurities can also be visualised.
In addition to that, we use image analysis to measure the size, shape and surface properties of individual nanoparticles. When using analytical TEM, we can simultaneously evaluate the size, shape, morphology and the chemical composition of nanoparticles with a nanometric resolution. Thanks to this technique, we can identify and measure specific particles in complex matrices like food, cosmetics, medicines and the environment.
The above-described information is mandatory to identify nanomaterials, as well as for their registration and the risk analysis of their applications.
The Light Microscopy Unit (LMU) of the HPI is one of the most modern and well-equipped Optical Imaging Units in Greece and a member of the Greek Bioimaging-GR Consortium and the European Light Microscopy Initiative (ELMI).
The HPI LMU is an open-access platform aiming to provide advanced Light microscopy and image analysis services to HPI, national or international academic scientists.
The nanoimaging core facility focusses on providing high-end cryo-electron microscopy services. We specialize in the three major workflows: single particle analysis (SPA), cryo-electron tomography/cryo focused ion-beam milling and correlative light and electron microscopy (cryo-FIB/cryo-CLEM) and microcrystal electron diffraction (MED). We help users collect their data but also organize many courses to train users to become fully autonomous. Our equipment is state-off-the art fully upgraded to the latest Thermofisher standards.
This platform is part of the Photonic BioImaging Unit of Technology and Service (UTechS) of the Institut Pasteur
Photonic BioImaging is a Unit of Technology and Service (UTechS) providing optical imaging expertise in life sciences and especially their application in studies on infectious biology.
Our activities include service rendering, training, technology-driven research and technology development. They are highly multi-disciplined, and collaborative, with the mission goal focused on the use of quantitative imaging and analysis to understand the processes of cell/tissue-biology, and their usurpation by infection and disease.
Our platform offers state-of the art large histotechnological laboratory with a specialized team. We are available for collaborative research. Many projects are currently ongoing on animal models of infectious diseases, cancer, immunotherapy or inflammation with internal or external research teams. Individuals wishing to develop collaborative research efforts are encouraged to contact us when developing research projects
The Image Analysis Hub is an open access, equal access core facility committed to offering bioimage analysis services to the scientific community.
Our central activity consists in developing highly customized analysis pipelines or scientific tools tailored to address specifically a user project. This activity is important when a user project requires analysis that is not provided by the existing image analysis tools, or when they require modifications or integration in larger pipelines.
We also maintain and offer access to workstations dedicated to and tailored for image analysis software and perform consultations during our open-desk sessions, happening every two weeks.