BC43 can image fixed and live cells, 3D cell cultures, organoids, embryos, model organisms, tissue sections and large biological specimens. Confocal configurations use spinning disk technology derived from Andor\u2019s Dragonfly platform to provide rapid acquisition and effective optical sectioning.<\/p>\n
The platform is available in several configurations:<\/p>\n
APEL Laser can assist with the selection of the BC43 configuration, objectives, imaging modalities, software modules and analysis tools required for your research.<\/strong><\/p>\n BC43 CF uses a spinning disk confocal architecture with microlens and pinhole arrays. Multiple points within the specimen are illuminated and detected simultaneously, rather than scanning one point sequentially across the sample.<\/p>\n This enables:<\/p>\n Andor reports productivity of at least ten times that of certain point-scanning confocal systems, depending on the experiment and system configuration.<\/p>\n Parallel illumination, efficient light collection and a sensitive sCMOS camera reduce the exposure required for each acquisition.<\/p>\n BC43 can support long-term observation of:<\/p>\n The system is designed to image live specimens over extended periods while reducing photobleaching and illumination-induced disturbance.<\/p>\n The light-tight enclosure allows the microscope to operate without a dark room.<\/p>\n This provides:<\/p>\n BC43 is intended for users with different levels of microscopy experience. Automated focus, objective selection, illumination, filtering, stage movement and image acquisition minimise manual adjustment.<\/p>\n Andor indicates that a new user can typically become independent within approximately 30 minutes to two hours, depending on the complexity of the experiment and the training provided.<\/p>\n BC43 WF is intended for laboratories performing predominantly fluorescence imaging of thin specimens or low-signal samples.<\/p>\n The configuration can include:<\/p>\n BC43 WF can later be upgraded in the field to the confocal model without replacement of the complete microscope.<\/p>\n BC43 CF adds spinning disk confocal imaging for optical sectioning and three-dimensional imaging of thicker specimens.<\/p>\n It is recommended for:<\/p>\n BC43 CF retains widefield and transmitted-light modalities, enabling the appropriate method to be selected for each experiment.<\/p>\n BC43 SR uses Andor\u2019s optimised SRRF-Stream+ technology to produce resolution beyond the conventional diffraction limit.<\/p>\n The manufacturer specifies:<\/p>\n Super-resolution imaging can reveal actin filaments, microtubule networks, vesicles, lysosomes and protein interactions more clearly.<\/p>\n The exact capability should be confirmed according to the selected model, installed modules and software licences.<\/p>\n Confocal imaging rejects much of the out-of-focus fluorescence and optically separates different planes within a specimen.<\/p>\n It is suited to:<\/p>\n Widefield provides high sensitivity and maximum speed for relatively thin specimens.<\/p>\n It can be used for:<\/p>\n Brightfield provides label-free visualisation of specimens with natural contrast.<\/p>\n It is useful for:<\/p>\n DPC improves contrast in transparent or weakly contrasted specimens.<\/p>\n It is suitable for:<\/p>\n SRRF-Stream+ combines information from multiple image frames and analyses local intensity fluctuations to reconstruct features that cannot be separated by conventional imaging.<\/p>\n Compared with single-molecule localisation methods, it can operate with labelling procedures that are closer to routine fluorescence protocols and with a simpler experimental workflow.<\/p>\n BC43 uses four laser excitation lines:<\/p>\n These wavelengths cover many commonly used fluorophores, including nuclear stains, green and red fluorescent proteins and far-red fluorescent dyes.<\/p>\n The system can provide up to ten imaging channels:<\/p>\n Fluorophore selection should consider excitation wavelengths, emission filters and the spectral separation required between channels.<\/p>\n BC43 can be configured with up to five interchangeable objectives.<\/p>\n Objective selection should consider:<\/p>\n The system can accommodate objectives for large fields and whole organisms as well as high-numerical-aperture objectives for subcellular structures.<\/p>\n The motorised XYZ stage supports:<\/p>\n BC43 can combine multiple image fields and volumes to visualise specimens larger than the field of a single objective.<\/p>\n Fusion Benchtop capabilities include:<\/p>\n Irregular Montage acquires only relevant regions, reducing acquisition time and data volume.<\/p>\n Focus Map compensates for specimen tilt and variations in sample height, keeping selected areas within the focal range.<\/p>\n BC43 can support studies involving:<\/p>\n Its imaging speed and capacity to acquire large volumes make BC43 suitable for:<\/p>\n Applications can include:<\/p>\n Available Imaris modules can support filament tracing, spine identification and quantitative neuronal morphology.<\/p>\n BC43 can be used to investigate:<\/p>\n Confocal imaging optically separates planes within samples that are thicker than conventional monolayer cell cultures.<\/p>\n BC43 can be applied to:<\/p>\n The platform can support:<\/p>\n Simplified operation and the optional IQ\/OQ programme make BC43 suitable for shared facilities used by researchers with different levels of microscopy expertise.<\/p>\n Benefits include:<\/p>\n Fusion Benchtop controls the microscope and enables multidimensional acquisition protocols.<\/p>\n Functions can include:<\/p>\n ClearView\u2122 deconvolution can be activated directly within the acquisition protocol, reducing the need for separate manual post-processing.<\/p>\n Andor Benchtop microscopes include the Imaris Quant package for image visualisation and analysis.<\/p>\n Imaris can be used for:<\/p>\n Additional modules are available for tracking, motility analysis, cell and organelle quantification and neuronal tracing.<\/p>\n Andor offers an optional Installation Qualification and Operational Qualification programme for BC43.<\/p>\n The programme can assess:<\/p>\n For BC43 systems evaluated with a 60\u00d7, 1.42 NA objective, Andor publishes OQ specifications of no more than 280 nm average confocal lateral resolution and no more than 725 nm average axial resolution.<\/p>\n Periodic testing provides quantitative information on instrument performance and can support the reproducibility of experiments between users, dates and locations.<\/p>\n BC43 is suitable for laboratories seeking the capabilities of an automated imaging system in an accessible, compact platform.<\/p>\n Its main benefits include:<\/p>\n APEL Laser can help define a BC43 configuration tailored to your application.<\/p>\n Configuration support can include:<\/p>\n BC43 is a compact, automated fluorescence microscope available in widefield, spinning disk confocal and super-resolution configurations.<\/p>\n BC43 WF is intended for widefield imaging of thin and light-sensitive specimens. BC43 CF adds spinning disk confocal imaging for optical sectioning and imaging of thicker samples.<\/p>\n Yes. Andor provides an in-field upgrade path from BC43 WF to BC43 CF.<\/p>\n Yes. The SRRF-Stream+ module can achieve resolution down to approximately 140 nm, depending on the specimen, fluorophore, objective and acquisition conditions.<\/p>\n Yes. Rapid acquisition and efficient light collection support live imaging with reduced illumination dose.<\/p>\n BC43 CF is suitable for 3D specimens, organoids, embryos and tissue sections. Accessible imaging depth depends on the specimen, labelling, objective and tissue optical properties.<\/p>\n No. BC43 has a light-tight enclosure and can operate on a standard laboratory bench.<\/p>\n The system uses four excitation wavelengths: 405, 488, 561 and 640 nm.<\/p>\n Yes. Its motorised XYZ stage and Fusion software support multipoint, montage, stitching, Focus Map and multidimensional acquisition.<\/p>\n Andor Benchtop microscopes include Imaris Quant, with additional modules available according to the application.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Andor BC43 is a compact microscopy platform for widefield fluorescence, spinning disk confocal, transmitted-light and super-resolution imaging. It is designed for laboratories requiring high-quality 2D and 3D imaging without the operational complexity and physical footprint of a conventional confocal microscope.<\/p>\n Its fully enclosed, light-tight design allows BC43 to operate on a standard laboratory bench without a dedicated dark room. An integrated vibration-reduction mechanism and automated optical components support consistent results, including for researchers with limited previous experience in advanced microscopy.<\/p>\n
\n<\/div>\nBenefits of the Andor BC43<\/h2>\n
Fast confocal imaging<\/h3>\n
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Gentle live-cell imaging<\/h3>\n
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Fully enclosed system<\/h3>\n
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Accessible operation<\/h3>\n
\n<\/div>\nBC43 configurations<\/h2>\n
BC43 WF \u2013 upgradeable widefield microscopy<\/h3>\n
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BC43 CF \u2013 spinning disk confocal microscopy<\/h3>\n
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BC43 SR \u2013 accessible super-resolution<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/div>\nConfiguration comparison<\/h2>\n
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\n Feature<\/th>\n BC43 WF<\/th>\n BC43 CF<\/th>\n BC43 SR<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n \n Widefield fluorescence<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Spinning disk confocal<\/td>\n Field upgrade<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Depends on base configuration<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Brightfield<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Differential Phase Contrast<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n ClearView GPU deconvolution<\/td>\n Available<\/td>\n Available<\/td>\n Available<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n 2D and 3D imaging<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Thick specimens<\/td>\n Limited<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Super-resolution down to approximately 140 nm<\/td>\n Upgrade<\/td>\n Upgrade<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Field upgradable<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n Yes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Primary use<\/td>\n Thin specimens and routine imaging<\/td>\n 3D specimens and confocal imaging<\/td>\n Fine subcellular structures<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
\n<\/div>\nImaging modalities<\/h2>\n
Spinning disk confocal microscopy<\/h3>\n
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Widefield fluorescence<\/h3>\n
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Brightfield<\/h3>\n
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Differential Phase Contrast<\/h3>\n
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SRRF-Stream+ super-resolution<\/h3>\n
\n<\/div>\nExcitation sources and imaging channels<\/h2>\n
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\n<\/div>\nObjectives and focusing<\/h2>\n
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\n<\/div>\nLarge-sample imaging<\/h2>\n
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\n<\/div>\nApplications<\/h2>\n
Cell biology<\/h3>\n
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Developmental biology<\/h3>\n
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Neuroscience<\/h3>\n
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Cancer research<\/h3>\n
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Organoids and 3D cultures<\/h3>\n
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Immunology and microbiology<\/h3>\n
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Core imaging facilities<\/h3>\n
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\n<\/div>\nFusion Benchtop software<\/h2>\n
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\n<\/div>\nImage analysis with Imaris<\/h2>\n
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\n<\/div>\nIQ\/OQ quality and reproducibility<\/h2>\n
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\n<\/div>\nWhy choose Andor BC43?<\/h2>\n
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\n<\/div>\nConfiguration and support from APEL Laser<\/h2>\n
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\n<\/div>\nFrequently asked questions<\/h2>\n
What is Andor BC43?<\/h3>\n
What is the difference between BC43 WF and BC43 CF?<\/h3>\n
Can BC43 WF be upgraded to confocal?<\/h3>\n
Does BC43 provide super-resolution?<\/h3>\n
Is it suitable for live-cell imaging?<\/h3>\n
Can it image organoids and tissues?<\/h3>\n
Is a dark room required?<\/h3>\n
Which laser wavelengths are included?<\/h3>\n
Can it perform multipoint and montage imaging?<\/h3>\n
Is analysis software included?<\/h3>\n
Spinning disk confocal microscopy in a compact, automated and accessible system<\/h2>\n