Bruker Acquifer Imaging Machine

(I) Description

The Bruker Acquifer IM is a fully automated widefield microscope designed for high-content screening, phenotypic screening, and advanced time-lapse imaging. Its unique sample-centered architecture keeps the specimen stationary while the optical unit moves, ensuring high sample stability during imaging and making the system particularly well suited for sensitive or motion-prone samples such as non-adherent cell cultures, embryos, organoids, and small model organisms. Integrated temperature control, automated workflows, data storage and processing capabilities, and open software interfaces make the Acquifer IM a flexible platform for large-scale imaging experiments and drug discovery applications.

(II) Features & Benefits

• Fully automated widefield fluorescence and brightfield imaging
• Static sample holder for improved stability of sensitive specimens
• High-content and phenotypic screening of multiwell plates
• Built-in temperature control for long-term live imaging
• Automated ROI detection and feedback microscopy workflows
• Robotic lid for automated screening experiments
• Integrated data storage and processing capabilities
• Open software interface for integration into automated workflows
• Optional photomanipulation for advanced screening experiments
• Plate-Viewer software for visualization and analysis of large screening datasets

(III) Technical Specifications

• Imaging modality: Automated widefield fluorescence and brightfield microscopy
• Sample architecture: Stationary sample holder with mobile Uniblock optical unit
• Plate compatibility: Compatible with commonly available multiwell plates; custom adaptations possible
• Temperature control: 20–40 °C with ±0.5 °C homogeneity across the plate and over time
• Objectives: Nikon 2× / 0.06 NA, 4× / 0.13 NA, 10× / 0.30 NA, 20× / 0.45 NA, and 40× / 0.60 NA
• Working distance: Up to 17.2 mm, depending on objective
• Automated imaging: Z-stacks, time-lapse imaging, multi-position acquisition, and screening workflows
• ROI selection: Automated object detection and pre-screen-based ROI selection
• Feedback microscopy: Automated and supervised feedback imaging workflows
• Data visualization: Integrated Plate-Viewer software
• Data export: Z-planes, projections, Z-stacks, time series, and movies; export formats include TIFF, JPEG, PNG, BMP, and MP4
• Plugin interface: Integration with external image-processing and analysis software
• Photomanipulation (optional): Automated photodamage, fluorophore switching, uncaging, and optogenetic activation
• System dimensions: 553 × 528 × 555 mm (H × W × D)

(IV) Manufacturer

Bruker

(V) Applications

High-Content Screening, Phenotypic Screening, Drug Discovery, Automated Time-Lapse Imaging, Live-Cell Imaging, Cell Culture Screening, Organoid Imaging, Zebrafish Screening, Medaka Imaging, Embryo Imaging, Developmental Biology, Cancer Research, Toxicology, Cardiovascular Research, Kidney Disease Research, Functional Phenotyping, Genome Editing Studies, Feedback Microscopy, Automated Photomanipulation.