spinning-disk system for probing bacterial samples

Posted by Vernita Gordon on
URL: http://confocal-microscopy-list.275.s1.nabble.com/spinning-disk-system-for-probing-bacterial-samples-tp4838138.html

Hello,

I am starting my own lab this summer and thinking through what equipment to buy with my initial startup funds.  I am seriously considering the purchase of a used spinning-disk confocal system because it seems like a great system for the price.  However, I also want to know that it will be functional for my purposes, which will primarily be looking at bacteria at different stages of biofilm formation (and thus at varying densities and degrees of 3D structure), with probably some work on fluroescently-labeled biomembranes as well.

I have never worked with a spinning-disk system; all my experience has been with laser-scanning systems.  Has anyone worked with biological samples on a spinning-disk confocal, and can you tell me anything about image quality (for both sparse and dense samples) and light dosage/damage to biological systems?  For my purposes, speed of acquisition is not that important.

Thanks

Vernita