Commercial Processing Services
Expansion Services
Our patented sample expansion and labeling technology – pan-ExSt – offers a range of innovative new methods to interrogate biomarkers in cell and tissue samples. For the first time, researchers can comprehensively analyze the same sample at both a high systems level and a subcellular level with nanoscale resolution, akin to Electron Microscopy (EM). pan-ExSt allows controlled scaling between 2x and 25x, preserving structural integrity in 3-D, while offering a range of precise biomolecule labeling options with novel and detailed ultrastructural contexts.
Basic Expansion
This is a single stage expansion process, with full pan-ExSt expansion and labeling completed before subcellular imaging. Basic Expansion is ideal for analyzing organelles and ultrastructural detail in cells and uniform tissue types.
Custom subsection processing for additional labeling or Region of Interest (ROI) comparisons is also available, for an additional charge.
Progressive Subcellular Interrogation (PScI)
PScl is a two-step labeling and imaging process, ideal for spatial proteomics and multi-scale tissue analytics. Whole tissue is expanded slightly (2x) and labeled to identify cell neighborhoods and ROIs, and then expanded again up to 25x and labeled for nanoscale analysis.
pan-ExSt has been optimized for a variety of tissue formats including: PFA fixed, fresh frozen, and FFPE; a variety mouse organs including brain, kidney, lung, retina, spinal cord; common animal models like Xenopus laevis, C. elegans, zebrafish, and whole mouse embryos. Other tissue types may require protocol optimization.
Labeling Options
pan-ExSt includes 5-plex fluorescence imaging: one color channel is reserved for pan-staining (ultrastructural contrasting) and up to four channels are available for other labels; 2-plex fluorescent labeling with pan-staining and nucleic acid staining is standard; additional charges apply for antibodies and other other label types described below. For PScI, pan-ExSt labeling is applied at both the tissue level and fully expanded subcellular level and different labels may be used for each phase, potentially allowing up to 8 different labels on a single piece of tissue.
Labeling Types
Antibodies
All antibody materials must be validated for pan-ExSt compatibility and quality prior to processing; this applies to new purchases of previously approved strains/types. In general antibodies that are effective for Western blots (vs. conventional IFs) tend to yield better results with our protocols.
pan-ChroMax
pan-ExSt has also been optimized for bright chromatin labeling, DNA/RNA FISH, and nascent DNA/RNA metabolic labeling at full 25x sample expansion. Chromatin labels may be used in addition to antibody labeling within the noted 5-plex labeling framework.
Lipid pan-staining
We developed trifunctional and photocrosslinkable lipid intercalating probes that can specifically delineate lipid membranes post-expansion. Please contact us for fixation instructions.
pan-RefleXion
Also called 'Unclearing Microscopy',
pan-RefleXion is a new technology that uses amplified metallic labeling to make the structural components of cells and tissue visible to the human eye without optical imaging. Please contact us to discuss specific use cases/applications.
Other Services
3-D Imaging & Analysis
Custom volumetric confocal imaging, 3-D segmentation analysis, and imaging consultation services are also available. Charges are based on hourly time estimates; actual cost may vary.
Sample Fixation & Shipping
Samples should be shipped on ice packets. Contact us for cell sample fixation specifications and shipping formats (e.g. adherent vs. suspended). Tissue samples should be fixed with panluminate approved fixative and shipped in saline solution
Initial Sample Prep
panluminate provides sample preparation services including vibratome sectioning and assistance with perfusion fixation for customers who may lack the proper equipment or have specific tissue requirements.
Special Handling
Basic processing may be augmented with customized sub-section processing (e.g. for additional antibody labeling or ROI comparisons). These services are offered at additional charges, above basic processing costs.
For all technical questions and additional information please contact us at:
