Defence Online

Type of document: Contract Notice
Country: United Kingdom

1. Title: RQ0000010125 Epifluorescence Microscope
2. Awarding Authority:
Defence Science and Technology Laboratory
Porton Down
SALISBURY
England
SP40JQ
Contact: Ben Payne
Email: bpayne@dstl.gov.uk
Phone: 07986704275
URL: Not Provided
3. Contract Type: Products
4. Description: Intended uses (priority order):
1) Real-time imaging of cellular physiology using ion-sensitive fluorophores or similar probes (e.g. fura 2 and fluo dyes with ability for acquisition of fura 2 ratiometric images ≥1Hz)
2) General epifluorescence imaging of living cell cultures using a range of fluorescent dyes to image cellular structure and function (cell viability, mitochondrial function, ROS etc). Excitation/emission capabilities should cover standard range of fluorophores (e.g. DAPI, fluorescein, rhodamine etc).
3) General transmitted light and epifluorescence imaging of fixed / stained cell cultures and slide-mounted tissue sections
Essential requirements:
• Research-grade inverted microscope chassis, stage, transmitted light illumination, eyepieces etc
• Microscope should be capable of phase and differential interference contrast transmitted light methods.
• Objectives 10, 20, 40 and ~60 or 100x optimised for epifluorescence observation and DIC, 20 and 40x objectives optimised for UV excitation for Fura 2 (@340 & 380 nm, if different from standard epifluorescence objectives), additional 20 and 40x for phase contrast.
• Epifluorescence light source to provide illumination for cellular physiology studies (excitation suitable for a range of dyes including fura 2) should include software controlled shutter, or equivalent, to control illumination and synchronise to image acquisition.
• Epifluorescence light source for general epifluorescence imaging (2 and 3 above) if different
• Ability to mount both epifluorescence illumination systems and switch between physiology and high-resolution epifluorescence imaging modes
• Monochrome camera suitable for real-time imaging cellular physiology
• Monochrome camera for high resolution general epifluorescence (if different from above)
• Ability to mount both cameras and switch between physiology and high-resolution epifluorescence imaging modes
• Image acquisition and analysis software suitable for running cellular physiology studies
• Image acquisition and analysis software suitable for general epifluorescence studies. Ability to combine fluorescence images to produce composite images, ability to undertake image analysis/cytometry measurements of fluorescently labelled specimens.
Desirable requirements:
• Motorised control of microscope operation
• Additional image analysis options for analysis of standard histopathology tissue sections
Other:
• If all capability is not possible on one microscope chassis then would consider two systems.

This requirement will be on the defence sourcing portal (DSP)
5. CPV Codes:
38515200 – Fluorescent microscopes
6. NUTS Codes: UKK15
7. Main Site or Location of Works, Main Place of Delivery or Main Place of Performance:
8. Reference Attributed by the Awarding Authority:
RQ0000010125
9. Estimated Value of Requirement: £100,000
10. Start Date: 30/04/2023
11. End Date: 31/05/2023
12. Closing Date: 13/04/2023
13. Other Information:
Additional Text
How to apply – This notice can be found on the defence sourcing portal at this link:
For further information/documentation please visit: