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MCL

Microscopy CORE Lab

The Microscopy CORE Lab is an Open Research and Education platform in the field of microscopy and collaborates with both internal and external research groups. Internal scientists are from Maastricht University (UM) and/or the Maastricht University Medical Center+ (MUMC+) whereas external scientists typically belong to other universities, research centers and/or private companies.

Fast Facts:

  • Established in 2016 with 370 users logged to date

  • Combined LM and EM expertise from experienced scientists

  • Deep expertise in vitrification and cryo-observation, in situ molecule detection and image processing

  • Strong knowledge about advanced microscopy workflows

  • “Step-by-step” training programs for new users at all microscopes

Advanced Light and Electron Microscopy

Advanced MCL
Picture by Nino Lakobachvili

The MCL provides advanced light and electron microscopy (LM & EM, respectively) imaging techniques, including confocal microscopy, long-term in vivo imaging, super-resolution stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy, multi-photon (intravital) microscopy, fluorescence lifetime and spectroscopy imaging. Furthermore,  scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM & TEM, respectively), electron tomography, and correlative light- and electron microscopy (CLEM) can all be performed at our facility. The MCL enables studies at both room temperature and under cryogenic conditions.

Microscopy CORE Lab @ M4I Nanoscopy FHML

MCL Nanascopywf
Picture by Casper Berger

The MCL is embedded within the M4I Institute (M4i Nanoscopy), shares instrumentation and expertise, and collaborates for the use of the most advanced techniques in cryo-LM and cryo-EM, e.g. spinning disk cryo-LM, cryo-electron tomography and single particle analysis (SPA), cryo-CLEM, and focused ion beam milling (FIB)-SEM at cryogenic conditions. This inclusion ensures high interdependency on microscopy developments, establishing relevant protocols and procedures, providing scientific and technical consulting, and teaching/training students and researchers. These existing tight collaborations with microscopy experts facilitate continuous excellence and upgrades of our facilities.

In addition, the MCL closely collaborates with the neighboring Instrument Development Engineering & Evaluation (IDEE) facility to develop and implement new sample preparation, imaging instrumentation and technologies, and, with Enabling Technologies to facilitate high-end light and electron microscopes.

Mission and Vision

Team MCL

The Microscopy CORE Lab takes its name from the "Collaborative Open Research & Education" as a new philosophy of working at the University of Maastricht. The Microscopy CORE Lab collaborates with researchers and is a training center for scientists in light and electron microscopy. We assist in the implementation of both traditional and novel technologies related to imaging by microscopy. The laboratory specializes in advanced light microscopy, cryo-electron microscopy, classical and cryo-methods in sample preparation and correlative light and electron microscopy.

The Microscopy Core lab aims for sharing and exchange of information, protocols and material while:

  • Providing access to new technologies
  • Developing and/or evaluating new or emerging technologies
  • Establishing standard methods related to the microscopy work
  • Enabling collaboration between users
  • Educating and training users