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Optical High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy(HREM) System

High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM) is a 3D biomedical imaging technique comprising of 2D sections for structural analysis of samples.

Benefits of the HREM imaging technique:

  • Produces 1-8 micron complete voxel resolution over an entire volumetric dataset

  • Image dense tissue and bone at high contrast without variation

  • No sample clearing, distortion or interpolation

  • Capable of imaging up to 60mm samples

What is High-Resolution Episcopic Microscopy(HREM)?

High-Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM) is a 3D imaging technique for visualising samples ranging from 1-30mm. Resin mounted samples are stained, then sectioned repeatedly with the remaining block face imaged, creating high-resolution stacks at 1–8-micron voxel resolution.

We offer two systems for performing HREM, the Micro and Ultra. As well as other products.

Embryonic mouse heart imaged using optical hrem block face imaging system.

Advantages

High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM) as a 3D imaging technique of ex-vivo samples gives multiple benefits over other techniques such as resolution, cost and more.

This 2D image shows a detailed cross-section of a mouse brain, scanned using High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM) in the XY plane. Provides high-resolution insights crucial for neurological research and structural analysis.

Flexibility

Image a wide range of samples and density’s with Optical HREM instruments. Image varying density’s and tissue types, including plant matter, with surface based imaging.

This 3D model of a zebrafish was created using High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM), revealing the intricate internal structures with exceptional detail. The image highlights the zebrafish's anatomy, making it an invaluable tool for developmental biology.

Easy Data

Optical HREM provides straight forward images as an output with little processing. Captured in 2D stacks easily converted into 3D volume renderings.

This 3D model of a mouse, cropped to highlight the heart system, was created using High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM). The image provides a highly detailed view of the heart’s structure and surrounding anatomy, showcasing the advanced resolution of HREM for precise cardiovascular imaging and research.

Resolution

Output of 1-8 micron voxel resolution gives the flexibility to visualise detail unseen in other techniques and systems. 

High-resolution scan displays a detailed 2D cross-section of a mouse, captured with advanced imaging technology. The image provides clear, precise visualization of the mouse’s anatomical features, essential for in-depth analysis and research in various biological and medical studies.

Adaptable

High-resolution episcopic microscopy (HREM) as a technique requires no sample clearing or interpolation. This opens up the floor to 3D imaging samples in detail.

Flexibility for a Range of Samples

High-Resolution Episcopic Microscopy(HREM) delivers exceptional clarity and resolution, even when imaging denser tissues or tissues with varying opacities.

 

Unlike conventional techniques, eliminate the need for tissue clearing and interpolation, making the imaging process more efficient and convenient. HREM produces high-contrast results, enhancing the visualization of anatomical structures and details.

  • Capable of visualising samples up to 30mm in one capture or greater with scanning

  • Suitable for bone and denser tissue samples

  • High contrast images even in higher density areas

A Range of High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM) samples including 3D image of a zebrafish, 3D image of a mouse embryo, 3D image of a chicken brain, 3D image of a heart and a 3D image of barley. All captured using the OHREM instruments.

High Resolution for All Tissue and Sample Types

3D Biomedical imaging techniques have evolved significantly, with HREM standing out for its ability to deliver precise 3D tissue images of denser samples. High-Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM) offers a variety of resolutions with scanning stages and a choice of optics. It can capture single shots or high-resolution scans at below 1 micron voxel size magnification with blending, no blocking.

With sections as thin as 1 µm, from our speciality sectioning system, HREM achieves voxel resolutions of 1-8 µm³, enabling the identification of fine details like individual nerves and blood vessels, surpassing other techniques.

  • 1-8 micron voxel size resolution

  • XY scanning stage integrated into the software available for larger samples

HREM 3D embryonic mouse cross section captured with HREM morphology imaging system

Easy Data with HREM

The use of 3D imaging in medical research is growing rapidly, with HREM providing accurate and detailed views of tissue samples. High-Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM) data is readily applicable for both 2D and 3D analysis. Simple software packages like Fiji and Dragonfly can be used to generate impressive images by inverting the LUT (Lookup Table). 

 

HREM images can be manually or automatically segmented in the user-friendly 2-D image format, enabling precise measurements.

  • Data is stored as image files for easy manipulation (jpeg,tif and more)

  • Stored image sizes for easy workflow

  • No custom image analysis software required

High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy Applications

High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy(HREM) is used in the study of:

Plant morphology imaged in 3D using the block face imaging system HREM, this image shows 3 Barley samples with a dimension box.

Agricultural Samples

Image complex plant morphology and other agricultural samples in highly detailed 3D sections

  • Citrus fruit

  • Barley

  • Chicken embryos and organs

 Mice and Zebrafish in 3D showing complex structures such as the heart using block face imaging.

Mice and Zebrafish Work

Image mice and zebrafish using HREM

  • Mice embryos and pups

  • Zebrafish

  • Individual organs

Cross-section of an embryonic mouse heart in 3D imaged using the block face imaging system HREM.

Heart Imaging

Capture the complexity of embryonic mouse hearts with HREM systems

  • Heart development in mice

  • Chicken embryo heart analysis

  • Whole embryos and denser structures

  • Larger denser cardiac samples

3D Embryo HREM Image

Much More

View our examples page to see plenty videos of various samples captured with HREM.

Optical HREM Systems

We offer two main Optical HREM systems, offering flexibility in budget and in capture. Both systems can achieve highly detailed 3D image stacks, while allowing the systems to be accessible to more.

OHREM Micro

Optical HREM Micro 3D imaging system using block face imaging to generate 3D data volumes for dense samples.

Micro OHREM Systems offer simple imaging of samples up to 25mm in FOV, featuring single shot optics.

  • 25 x 20 x 20 field of view

  • Simplistic single shot imaging

  • Smaller form factor

OHREM Ultra

Optical HREM Ultra 3D imaging system for scanning of block face imaging for large samples and fluorescence block face imaging.

Ultra OHREM systems offer flexible imaging with XY scanning stages for a FOV up to 60mm with various illumination and optical setups.

  • ~60 x 60 x 30 field of view, with scanning

  • Choice of upright or zoom optics

  • Ideal for fluorescence applications

Tim Mohan

(DMDD)

"HREM data has allowed the DMDD team to identify nearly 400 different phenotypes in knockout mouse embryos. These range from large-scale organ malformations to the abnormal development of nerves and blood vessels."

Dr Duncan Sparrow
(DEPARTMENT OF PHYSIOLOGY, ANATOMY & GENETICS, UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD)

"We are extremely happy with the high quality 3D imaging of our samples. The OHREM system is very flexible, and fully upgradable. We initially only had funds for the single-channel model. However, when we got another grant 12 months later, able to upgrade our system to a 2-channel model with less than 24 hours downtime. The system is very reliable, with virtually no maintenance required. For example, we have used our machine 24/7 for months on end, without any repairs required. In the 2 years we have had the OHREM, we have achieved completely consistent data quality. Aftersales service is friendly, prompt and informative. Chris is also committed to further developing the OHREM technology and engaging with users. For example, he attended a one day workshop organised at University College London in 2019, where users from around the worldwide were able to swap tips and tricks to improve HREM workflows. He made many valuable comments, and was also able to keep us updated on the latest technical developments for the OHREM system."

Software

Systems come bundled with software to help aid imaging and stack processing

Optical HREM systems are controlled via the included OHREM Acquire software, this software works as a hub to control the system and peripherals for repetitive operation. Acquire sets up the instrument for lots of possibilities with Optical HREM instruments, from multi-fluorescence capture to XY scanning.

Acquire software has a license attached to your machine making possible to use later versions of the software free of charge.

OHREM Acquire block face imaging software for imaging using HREM instruments.

Contact our High-Resolution Episcopic Microscopy (HREM) Experts

Want to know more about HREM, ask for a quote or get questions answered. Contact us and we can help answer all your questions.

Email:
hello@indigo-scientific.co.uk

Thank You!

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