What is Bioptechs?
Bioptechs is an innovative American optical engineering company that designs, develops and manufacturers live-cell microscopy environmental control instrumentation for qualitative and or quantitative light microscopy. Our products are dedicated to the science of live-cell microscopy and include imaging systems, micro-observation environmental control instruments, perfusion pumps, biocompatible tubing for cell culture and specialized fittings and adapters as well as numerous supplemental items. Bioptechs has developed and patented several technologies which are indispensable to the live-cell microscopist. They include:
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Microaqueduct laminar perfusion in a temperature controlled optical cavity
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A unique symmetric closure mechanism for optical cavities
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Objective thermal regulation devices to reduce temperature gradients when using high N.A. objectives
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A unique hybrid culture dish system specifically designed for live-cell microscopy which utilizes an advanced technique of first-surface thermal transfer to quickly, accurately and uniformly maintain the thermal, optical and fluid requirements of cultured cells and tissue
Within a few short years Bioptechs' products have demonstrated their ability to out-perform traditional systems and have become the preferred method of micro-environmental control. Bioptechs manufactures 32 standardized products and provides customers with the availability of a variety of related products and services.
Mission
Man is a highly complex biological structure whose composition is being studied at every level from subatomic structure to behavioral science. Within this range lies the area of cell biology. Until the past ten years, most cell biology has been carried out at the fixed cell level (dead cells). The information gathered has been limited to examination of the dead remains of cells. Now scientists have a new set of tools available to them, such as highly sensitive electronic cameras interfaced to computers and microscopes which are able to optically detect minute traces of specialized dyes or indicators. This instrumentation can provide visualization and quantitation of processes and behaviors within the cell that were previously unobtainable.
Bioptechs recognizes the importance of the ability to reproduce the cells' host environment on the microscope, without sacrificing functionality as a critical component of modern biological experimentation. Although our systems are used primarily in research applications, we expect in the near future to see live specimens obtained from patients, grown in culture, and analyzed to determine the most appropriate treatment as a routine method of health care. Bioptechs' mission is to develop and produce the micro-observation environmental control technologies necessary for these advancements and form collaborations to promote the benefits of live-cell microscopy.
All Bioptechs products are designed, manufactured and tested at the Bioptechs' facility in Butler, PA., and backed by a one year warranty. Bioptechs live-cell systems provide full optical compatibility with all modes of light microscopy as well as special out-of-limit alarm circuitry to ensure the safety of the specimens. Bioptechs controllers feature a real-time temperature display and ultra-fast learning curve to compensate for temperature changes due to surface evaporation or perfusion. Our standard controller has a temperature range of ambient to 50 C. Extended ranges of 0 to 100°C are available upon request. Our temperature control system is economically adaptable to a variety of critical temperature control applications. Bioptechs also offers optoelectronic and optomechanical design services specializing in light microscopy. Our in-house machine shop affords the luxury of making modifications or prototyping new designs quickly and economically.
Applications include, but are not limited to:
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