Using sCMOS cameras for Plasma Membrane Studies

Challenge Background

The plasma membrane is a relatively thin yet important interface zone at which many processes that are critical to the cell occur. It is important not only for the internal processes and the actin cytoskeleton structure, but also for cell fate differentiation. The phospholipid bilayer acts as both a barrier and a point for interaction with the external environment. Proteins embedded within the plasma membrane such as transmembrane proteins are involved in cell adhesion, cell secretions and cell to cell communications. Study of these processes are providing insights into their roles within various neurodevelopmental disorders such as Attention Deficit/hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum as well as disorders of metabolism and aging.

A simplified illustration of components of the plasma membrane. The plasma membrane is the site at which many critical cellular processes occur.

The study of the myriad of processes at the plasma membrane interface poses several challenges in terms of how to image processes and structures effectively. Techniques that are typically used to provide the necessary resolution and elimination of out of focus light such as TIRF (Total Internal Reflectance Fluorescence), light-sheet, SIM (structured illuminated Microscopy) or spinning disk confocal impose a low light regime making high sensitivity detectors essential. In addition, the imaging camera must be capable of a wide field of view so we can see as much of the subject under study in one view as possible. Some processes are dynamic in nature meaning high speed imaging is required to capture and resolve the temporal information.

Technology Solution

The latest back-illuminated sCMOS cameras provide exceptional sensitivity making them suitable for imaging samples that have low fluorophore signal levels, or when using imaging modalities that are inherently low light. As with previous generations of sCMOS cameras they feature low noise, large sensor sizes and an ability to run at high frame rates.

Andor Camera Solutions for Plasma Membrane Studies

Andor highly recommend the Sona back-illuminated sCMOS cameras for plasma membrane studies. Sona offers the perfect combination of high sensitivity, exceptional field of view and speed. A near perfect 95% QE and low noise means that the Sona is highly sensitive. Sona 4.2B-11 provides a massive 32 mm field of view so more can be observed in a single image. The 11 µm pixel is perfectly suited to resolving features in full clarify at high magnification. Sona 4.2B-6 is fast – up to 74 fps at full resolution (2048 x 2048) in full range (16-bit), and regions of interest can be used to boost speeds significantly higher e.g. 587 fps at 256 x 256.