The University of Ottawa is pleased to invite qualified proponents to submit a proposal for an Automated Microscope and Plate Reader with Live Imaging Capabilities.
Scope of Project:
The University of Ottawa solicits a Automated Microscope and Plate Reader with Live Imaging Capabilities to allow automated imaging of different cell and tissue preparations, both fixed and live, and for performing colorimetric and luminescent assays.
The requested system is a critical piece of infrastructure required for multiple applications. These include fluorescent and phase contrast imaging of both fixed and live cells or tissues. The system will also allow plate reading and scanning for colorimetric and luminescent assays. The system is to have an entirely automated image capture system that includes slide scanning, z-stack, time-lapse, and montage within one instrument. It will allow for the detection of multiple fluorescent dyes and include phase-contrast and brightfield. The hardware will include equipment for live cell imaging. In addition to this powerful hardware, the system will have software that can perform numerous quantifications and image processing, including cell counting, signal translocation, stitching,ching and deconvolution, without requiring multiple software or secondary image analysis.
Specifications listed in Appendix A – Technical Specifications Compliance Form of this RFP are the mandatory minimum requirements for the Automated Microscope and Plate Reader with Live Imaging Capabilities System.
Mandatory Minimum Requirements for the Automated Microscope and Plate Reader with Live Imaging Capabilities System:
1.0 - Optics
1.1 - The equipment must have Plate reader AND microscopy capabilities.
1.2 - The equipment must accommodate a minimum of 4 objectives at the same time.
1.3 - The equipment must have a minimum of 3 fluorescent channels (GFP, RFP, DAPI).
1.4 - The equipment must have minimum 1.1 megapixel camera.
1.5 - The equipment must have Autofocus capabilities.
2.0 - Supported Labware
2.1 - The equipment must support Slides.
2.2 - The equipment must support 6 to 96 well plates.
2.3 - The equipment must support Cell culture dishes.
2.4 - The equipment must support Cell culture flasks.
3.0 - Plate Reading Modes
3.1 - The equipment must allow Absorbance detection mode.
3.2 - AMENDED (Refer to Amendment 3) - The equipment must have a Fluorescence wavelength range of 230 – 900 nm and a Fluorescein of minimum 4 pM (0.4 fmol/well 384-well plate).
3.3 - The equipment must have a luminescence sensitivity of more than 15pmol and a dynamic range of < 3 decades.
4.0 - Imaging modes
4.1 - The equipment must have, at a minimum, Fluorescence wavelength of 200 – 300 nm and a Fluorescein of minimum 4 pM (0.4 fmol/well 384-well plate.
4.2 - The equipment must allow Phase Contrast.
4.3 - The equipment must allow Brightfield.
5.0 - Imaging methods
5.1 - The equipment must allow Montage.
5.2 - The equipment must allow Z-Stack.
5.3 - The equipment must allow Time-lapse.
5.4 - The equipment must allow Multi-Color.
6.0 - Environment control
6.1 - The equipment must allow CO2, O2 control.
6.2 - The equipment must allow Condensation control.
6.3 - The equipment must allow Temperature control.
7.0 - Warranty
7.1 - The equipment must include a one (1) year standard manufacturer’s warranty.
8.0 - Installation and Training
8.1 - The equipment must include on-site installation and training.
9.0 - Other
9.1 - All electrical components must have CSA (Canadian Standards Association) certification, or accepted equivalent as per Electrical Safety Authority Recognized Certification Mark at the following link:
https://esasafe.com/electrical-products/recognized-certification-marks/
Otherwise, all electrical components must be able to undergo the appliable electrical inspection, and/or, certification, without voiding the system warranty.
