WiScan Hermes–for high content imaging

WiScan Hermes from IDEA Bio-Medical produces publication-quality images at high throughput speeds.

Overview

Hermes imaging system- WHAT IS IT GOOD FOR? Video Credit: IDEA Bio-Medical Ltd.

Versatile

WiScan^® Hermes is the ideal solution for assay creation, compound screens, transfection assays, or detailed analysis of a few samples, whether the users employ 3D models (like spheroids, Organoids), Zebrafish imaging, primary cells, fixed cells, or live-cell imaging.

Reliable

WiScan^® Hermes, IDEA Bio-Medical’s automated imaging system for high content screening (HCS) combines the two opposing primary objectives of autonomous microscopy: visual quality and acquisition speed.

Robust

The mechanisms of WiScan^® Hermes are based on patents and have been ingeniously engineered to fulfill heavy-duty operation needs (24/7) while maintaining full system robustness.

Flexible

WiScan^® Hermes is a cost-effective, smart, and adaptable system that comes with seven fluorescent colors, a bright-field option, and a wide range of air objectives. The system can handle a wide range of multi-well plates and sample types (slides, dishes, etc.) while also providing environmental control for live-cell tests.

Intuitive

Even if the user is a newbie or a seasoned microscopist, Hermes makes it simple to delve deeper into the samples. The system is simple to operate. Its built-in programs are exceedingly simple to use and work at the single press of a button.

How fast can Hermes imaging system go? Video Credit: IDEA Bio-Medical Ltd.

Specifications

Basic configuration

• XY motion: Accurate positioning with 200nm repeatability
• Illumination sources: 7 optional LED sources (DAPI,CFP,GFP,YFP,RFP,mCherry,CY5). Transmission: White LED source
• Features: Content/Description
• Enclosure: Allows operation in fully lit areas
• Desktop standalone platform: 47 W x 72 D x 57 H (cm), 18.5 W x 28.5 D x 22.4 H (inches) With plate cover closed
• Certification: CE, UL
• 3D reader: EPI-fluorescence inverted optics mounted on XYZ (patented) linear scanner
• Auto Focus: Patented ultra-fast laser-based Auto Focus with 100nm resolution
• Optical Filters: 2 emission filters and compatible dichroic filters (automatically exchanged)
• Objectives (Air): Choice of air objectives in the range: 2X to 60X, high NA
• Camera: High sensitivity CCD camera with 1.3MPixel resolution
• Sample format: Supports full-area screening of 6-1536 well plates Supports slides, microarrays, 35 mm dish formats. U-shaped bottom plats are optional
• Computer: PC with Windows® operating system and touch screen

Live cell imaging module

• CO₂ level control: Enables setting of 0.02 L/minute–0.13 L/minute mixed with air for desired CO₂ percentage. (External accessory). CO2 Range: 0–15%. Set Point Resolution: 1%
• Live cell imaging: Allow for extended time-lapse experiments. During the majority of the scanning process, the sample does not relocate
• Features: Content/description
• Live-cell conditions
• Temperature control: Range from ambient +5 °C to 40 °C ± 0.5 °C
• Humidity

Object mapping (rare event detection) module

• Features: Content/description
• Object mapping for rare events recognition
• First scan: Low magnification HTS for efficient object mapping in regions of interest
• Second scan: HCS with high magnification of identified objects
• Analysis tools: WiSoft^®-based image analysis devices for object interpretation and recognition in the first low magnification scan, and additional tools for high magnification analysis of detected objects
• Objectives: Automatic objective exchanger of up to three objectives at a time
• Throughput: Improves the throughput of high magnification scanning of rare objects
• Statistical tools: Provides automatic decisions that result in effective screening for the bare minimum of objects in a well

High throughput (enhanced acquisition speed) module

• Features: Content/description
• Image acquisition speed >10 images per second (depends on experiment conditions)
• Combination of HCS and HTS: Ultra-fast High Content Screening unit
• Throughput: A 96-well plate screening at 10× magnification with a single field per well, three-color fluorescence, and a total exposure time of 150 milliseconds per field take just 2 minutes. A few applications will include data processing and analysis outcomes alongside image acquisition.

Automation module (interfacing to external robotic arms)

• Features: Content/description
• External loader compatibility (Robot/manipulator)
• Remote accessibility: Protocols (applications and screening parameters) execution and management
• External devices can control the system via a communication channel
• Loading door with automatic opening/closing synchronized with external equipment
• External loader (Robot/manipulator) integration: Complete integration support

Rare event detection on Hermes microscope. Video Credit: IDEA Bio-Medical Ltd.

Resources

Illumination channels options

Table 1. Source: IDEA Bio-Medical Ltd.

Objectives options

Table 2. Source: IDEA Bio-Medical Ltd.

• Flexible plate formats and sample holders
• Supports full-area screening of 6–1536 well plates
• Holders for additional sample formats are available
  • Histology slides, Spotted Array
  • Slide holder
  • Dish (3 cm) holder
  • Chamber holder

Hermes product family

Table 3. Source: IDEA Bio-Medical Ltd.