These instructions are for setting the Zeiss Elyra PS.1 up for Photo-Activation Localisation Microscopy. PALM and STORM are very similar in terms of the technical microscopy requirements. PALM refers to using photoactivable, endogenously expressed fluorophores such as GFP, while STORM refers the stochastic blinking of organic fluorophores (such as Alexa Fluor 647). As the microscopy requirements are similar, microscopes which are able to do one are typically able to do the other. More information on STORM can be found on the links in the STORM Sample Preparation page.
For 2D, single colour PALM
Ensure the microscope has been switched on and initialised, and Zen Black software has been opened for at least 3 hours prior to imaging. Switch on the lasers you require at least 30 minutes before imaging.
- It is advisable to use the 100x TIRF lens to do PALM/STORM although this is not strictly necessary. Imaging in TIRF reduces the out of focus light from the background and makes PALM reconstruction easier, however TIRF only illuminates objects very close to the coverslip.
- Set up your slide / plate as you would normally. Refer to Getting Started – Putting A Specimen On And Locating It Using The Ocular for more detailed information.
- When ready to image, select the laser WF option in the light path menu. Select 'TV1', which is the Andor CCD EMCCD for PALM/STORM imaging. It is advisable to have the 1.6 optovar selected too.
- Set up a track for your most easily located channel and look for the right focus position in Epi mode.select EPI. Focus on your sample in live/continuous preview and locate the field you will want to image in TIRF.
- Then change to TIRF and move the tirf adjustor slider slightly gradually until TIRF is achieved. This is usually marked by a sudden significant decrease in background fluorescence.
- Reduce image size if required.
- Set Set up a time lapse series for ~10000-30000 images with as short as possible time interval. Start your experiment.
- Start your experiment.
- Go to the processing tab and process your PALM / STORM acquisition with the tools available there. The SuRF facilty has a computer in Room 2.19 suitable for offline processing of these acquisitions
For 3D, single colour PALM
If you would like to do 3D PALM, the steps are as above except with the 3D slider in. You will also need to generate a 3D PSF and to utilise extra processing algorithms on your acquisition. Please speak to facility staff if you'd like help setting up a 3D palm/storm experiment.
For multiple colour PALM
Theoretically, the 488, 561 and 642 lasers are powerful enough for photoactivation. The acquisition process should be similar to the above, however the sample prep and image processing will be more difficult. Please speak to facility staff if you'd like help setting up a multi-colour palm/storm experiment.