Overview
SpheroRuler
is a monodispersed suspension of 1µm diameter spheres
coated with 647-fluorophores giving
a stable blinking in SMLM microscopy. Their consistent size and geometry make
them very practical and reliable standards to assess the accuracy of your x-y or z measurements, 3D reconstruction methods or
your image quality. Monodispersed and immobile in solution, they can also be
used as rulers, for drift correction or as guides to help localize features on
your biological samples.
SpheroRuler is great for dSTORM calibration experiments because you can use it on your preferred support and buffer. And because you get confident with the new biological structure to image. SpheroRuler also produces simple shapes that are easy to study when you are a dSTORM beginner!
How do you know your imaging process is good with SpheroRuler? Your beads blink, you reconstruct a ring in 2D and a sphere in 3D experiments, and you check that you retrieve the 1 µm diameter.
A technology designed by Arnaud Favier, Karine Monier and Christophe Place.
Visit our glossary for a definition of dSTORM and super-resolution microscopy
.
Images
SpheroRuler beads imaged using SRRF-Stream super-resolution microscopy
Comparative images of SpheroRuler beads obtained in different imaging modes showing impact on final resolution and image qualitySpheroRuler beads were imaged on a confocal microscope with a 63X oil objective.
Credits: Kseniya Korobchevskaya - Institute of Developmental & Regenerative Medicine, University of Oxford, UK
Features
Stable blinking
Suited for use in SMLM microscopy
Consistent size
Thoroughly characterized by electron microscopy
Spherical geometry
with sharp and thin edges
Immobile
Suitable for drift correction applications
Bio-compatible
Resuspended in an aqueous buffer and usable along biological samples such as cells or tissue sections
Easy-to-spot
A high fluorescence intensity for practical use as demo or training tools
Protocol
Technical information
Kit description
1 vial of 50 µL of a SpheroRuler suspension in PBS pH7.4.
Concentration: 7.10exp8 particles per mL.
Allows 10 experiments when using the recommended 5µL volume in 35mm glass-bottom dishes.
Stability: up to 7 months when stored at 4°C.
Dye: 647-fluorophore (far-red fluorescence).
Compatible with: dSTORM, SRRF, Airyscan confocal, confocal, SEM
Resources: Safety Datasheet and Frequently Asked Questions
Visit also our glossary for a definition of dSTORM and super-resolution microscopy.
Story
Arnaud Favier, Karine Monier and Christophe Place
"It could have been one of those after-dinner conversations that would have ended there. Arnaud, Karine, Christophe and Mathieu, from Idylle, had a lively discussion about some of our experimental conditions in dSTORM. They came to talk about the confidence we can place in our instruments. Mathieu launched: "You should develop a calibration tool for dSTORM, it would be of great help for so many researchers". This little phrase hung in the air... until we decided that it was a challenge that we liked and that we were going to take up. Today we are happy to launch SpheroRuler with the whole Idylle team."
"Calibration beads for dSTORM? Why hadn't we thought of that before? Their very simplicity was praised by early researchers who tested and adopted them. Scientists new to SMLM greatly appreciate their ease of use. We are all very happy here that this idea of a night has become a research tool for all ".
New business, Idylle
