Molecular Devices ImageXpress Micro Confocal HT.ai High-Content Imaging System with Environmental Control and Water Immersion

The Molecular Devices ImageXpress Micro Confocal HT.ai is a high-content imaging system designed for automated fluorescence microscopy, confocal and widefield imaging, live-cell analysis, phenotypic screening, drug discovery, and multiwell assay development. The system is configured with a single-disk spinning-disk confocal module, Andor Zyla sCMOS camera, laser autofocus, precision encoded XYZ stages, and software-controlled filter and objective changes.

Imaging and optical configuration

• Andor Zyla sCMOS camera
• Single-disk spinning-disk geometry with a 60 um pinhole
• High-speed laser autofocus with integrated image autofocus
• 89 North LDI-NIR EX light engine, Class 4 Laser
• Reflected-light channels: 405, 445, 470, 520, 555, 640, and 730 nm
• Transmitted-light source: red LED integrated into the stage cover
• 4-position automated objective changer
• 5-position software-selectable dichroic filter wheel
• 8-position software-selectable emission filter wheel
• Installed emission filters: DAPI, FITC, CFP, TRITC, Texas Red, CY5, CY7, and YFP
• Nikon objectives:
• 4x/0.20 Plan Apo
• 10x/0.45 Plan Apo Lambda
• 20x/0.95 Water Apo Lambda S LWD
• 60XA/1.2 Water Plan Apo VC
• Linear encoded voice coil-driven X, Y, and Z stages with better than 25 nm resolution
• Single slide holder
• Compatible with slides and 1- to 1536-well microplates, including round- or flat-bottom formats and low- to high-profile labware
• Throughput: greater than 160K wells/day in confocal mode and greater than 200K wells/day in widefield mode

Live-cell and water immersion capabilities

The installed environmental control configuration supports multi-day live-cell time-lapse imaging. The LCI FC-9 gas mixer supports 5–10% CO₂, while temperature control maintains 30–40 °C ± 0.5 °C. Humidity management minimizes evaporation to approximately 0.5 uL/well/hour for 96- or 384-well formats.

The water immersion configuration includes a water immersion control box that maintains a stable water layer for high-NA imaging of live or thick specimens. Water immersion objectives, including 20x/0.95 and 40x/1.15 configurations, can improve resolution and reduce aberrations in aqueous 3D samples.

Software and analysis

• MetaXpress 6.7 acquisition and offline analysis software
• In Carta analysis software on a separate analysis computer
• Time-series acquisition and analysis
• Z-series acquisition and analysis
• Custom Module Editor
• Transmitted-light segmentation
• Asynchronous kinetics
• Basic curve fitting
• Peak analysis
• Basic 3D acquisition tools with Z-stack capture and 2D projection options
• Interactive graphical interface for Z-series settings
• Computer, monitor, mouse, keyboard, license dongle, communication cables, and power cables

These capabilities support high-content cellular imaging, biomarker analysis, assay development, live-cell phenotypic analysis, and automated microscopy workflows used in biotechnology, molecular diagnostics, drug discovery, and biopharmaceutical research.

Automation configuration

The listing provides a detailed configuration for a Brooks PreciseFlex 400 sample handler, including:

• 750 mm Z-axis travel
• Extended-reach arm
• 734 mm horizontal reach with included servo gripper
• Spring gripper force: 2–23 N closing, 2–10 N opening, and 7 N power-off
• Typical resolution: 10 microns
• Repeatability: ±0.090 mm in X, Y, and Z at 18–22 °C
• Maximum acceleration: 2500 mm/sec² with a 500 gram payload
• Maximum speed: 500 mm/sec Cartesian, 360 degrees/sec J2, and 720 degrees/sec J3 and J4
• SBS plates supported in landscape and portrait orientation
• Two Molecular Devices 20-position plate hotels
• Keyence SR-710 barcode reader
• Barcode tray and swap position
• Emergency stop button
• Laboratory table with predefined mounting points and hardware

Important configuration note: The listing describes the Brooks PreciseFlex 400 robot and its accessories in detail, but also states that the robot and automation software are not included in the supplied system. Confirm the final automation configuration with the seller before purchase.

The system was manufactured in 2022 and the listing reports testing of the camera, objectives, autofocus, laser interlock, illumination, filter wheels, spatial calibration, gas controller, stage movement, multiwell acquisitions, and multichannel slide imaging.