Spatialomics | Department of Medicine | School of Medicine

TIME Core Room 1449

The TIME Core Spatialomics platform integrates molecular biology, histology, microscopy and flow cytometry capabilities to support high-dimensional, spatially resolved analysis of tissues and cellular environments.

Led by Dr. Patricia Lima, the platform combines advanced imaging, multiplexed molecular profiling and analysis tools to help researchers connect molecular information with spatial context and gain deeper insight into complex biological systems.

Spatialomics Capabilities

TIME Core supports advanced spatial biology workflows using integrated imaging and molecular technologies.

Equipment includes:

Multi-omics imaging – Leica Cell DIVE with BAB automation
Tau-contrast confocal microscopy – Leica Stellaris Confocal Microscope with SpectraPlex
Hyperplexed imaging – Leica Stellaris Confocal Microscope with SpectraPlex

Leica Cell DIVE | Click here for details

The Leica Cell DIVE platform supports highly multiplexed antibody-based spatial biology, enabling researchers to analyze more than 100 markers within a single tissue section through automated staining and imaging.

Workflows can also be customized to incorporate RNA in situ hybridization probes where appropriate.

Research applications

Sample types

The platform supports tissue sections from human, mouse and rat samples mounted on standard Fisher Permafrost charged slides. Antigen retrieval requirements may vary by project, and workflows can be customized based on tissue type and research objectives.

Leica STELLARIS confocal microscope with Spectraplex

The Leica STELLARIS confocal microscope supports high-resolution spectral imaging and advanced fluorescence lifetime analysis. With SpectraPlex, researchers can detect more than 15 markers within a single imaging session, enabling highly multiplexed analysis of complex samples.

Key features

White Light Laser supporting up to eight simultaneous excitation lines across the spectrum
Power HyD detectors with sensitive spectral detection from 410 to 850 nm
Large field-of-view scanner with LAS X Navigator software for high-speed imaging and uniform illumination
Adaptive Focus Control to maintain focus during imaging
Advanced spectral unmixing to separate overlapping fluorescent signals and reduce crosstalk

Objectives

PL FLUOTAR 5×/0.15 DRY
PL APO 10×/0.40 CS2
HC PL APO 20×/0.75 IMM CORR CS2
HC PL APO 63×/1.40 OIL CS2
HC PL APO 100×/1.40–0.70 OIL

TauSense fluorescence lifetime imaging

TauContrast – provides functional information such as metabolic status, pH and ion concentrations
TauGating – improves image quality by removing unwanted fluorescence contributions
TauSeparation – expands the combination of fluorescent signals beyond standard spectral options
TauInteraction – supports detection and quantification of molecular interactions, including protein-protein interactions

SpectraPlex tools

Streamlined panel-design workflow
Automated acquisition settings
Advanced spectral unmixing with adaptive acquisition settings
Virtual Fridge database for managing laboratory-specific markers
Design Panel tools to optimize fluorophore combinations and panel configurations

Pricing and Booking

Pricing

Pricing is determined on a project-by-project basis and depends on factors including the number and size of tissue samples, program run length and number of antibodies required.

How to book

Contact the TIME Core team by email for projects requiring Spatialomics equipment or scientist support.

Planning your project

Considering a spatial biology study?

Contact the TIME Core team to discuss your research question, tissue type, marker panel and project requirements. The team can help determine the most appropriate workflow and level of support for your study.

Contact: pdal@queensu.ca