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LUMOS II: Spatial Biology Redefined

Kaplan Scientific 7 January 2026 4 min read

The Speed of Insight: Redefining Spatial Biology with the Bruker LUMOS II QCL

The Bruker LUMOS II IR microscope, empowered by Quantum Cascade Laser (QCL) technology, is transforming spatial biology. It delivers rapid, label-free analysis of tissue samples. This innovation offers unprecedented speed and depth of chemical information.

LUMOS II ILIM IR Laser Imaging Microscope

Unmatched Speed with QCL Technology

The LUMOS II utilizes a QCL source for Discrete Frequency Imaging. This enables whole tissue microtome section analysis in minutes. Traditional Globar-sourced FTIR imaging requires hours for similar analyses due to lower spectral power.

QCL-based imaging offers significantly higher spectral power at specific frequencies. This reduces acquisition times dramatically. The LUMOS II provides a high-throughput solution for spatial biology research.

Label-Free Spatial Biology: A New Paradigm

The LUMOS II provides non-destructive, stain-free analysis. It maps the intrinsic chemical architecture of tissues. This includes proteins, lipids, and metabolic markers, without the need for antibodies or dyes.

This label-free approach eliminates artifacts associated with staining procedures. It also preserves the integrity of the sample for further analysis. The LUMOS II delivers a more accurate representation of the tissue's chemical composition.

Clinical Relevance: Microtome Sections Made Easy

The LUMOS II is designed to handle microtome-cut tissue sections. This includes FFPE or cryosections, directly on standard IR-transparent slides. This streamlines the workflow for clinical pathology applications.

TissuePlus

Researchers can analyze samples with minimal preparation. The LUMOS II integrates seamlessly into existing laboratory workflows. Its compatibility with standard sample formats ensures ease of use.

Data Richness: Chemical Fingerprints for Deeper Insights

The LUMOS II provides detailed chemical fingerprints of tissue samples. These fingerprints offer deeper insights into tumor microenvironments. They also help with disease progression and cellular heterogeneity studies.

Metabolic profiling becomes accessible with the LUMOS II. Subtle chemical changes associated with disease states can be detected. This opens new avenues for biomarker discovery and diagnostic development.

Ease of Use: Accessible to All

The LUMOS II is designed for fully automated operation. This makes it accessible to biologists and pathologists. No specialized spectroscopy expertise is needed to operate the instrument.

The OPUS software provides an intuitive interface for data acquisition and analysis. Users can quickly generate meaningful results. The LUMOS II empowers researchers across various disciplines.

Workflow Optimization with the LUMOS II

The LUMOS II integrates seamlessly into existing lab workflows. Here is how:

  • Sample Preparation: Load microtome sections directly onto IR-transparent slides.
  • Automated Acquisition: Set up the analysis parameters and initiate automated data collection.
  • Data Analysis: Use OPUS software for spectral analysis and image processing.
  • Result Interpretation: Extract chemical information and correlate it with histological features.

Technical Comparison: Globar vs. QCL

Traditional FTIR imaging with a Globar source delivers broad spectral coverage. However, it suffers from low spectral power, especially at longer wavelengths. This results in longer acquisition times and lower signal-to-noise ratios (S/N).

QCL-based imaging provides significantly higher spectral power at specific frequencies. It enables rapid data acquisition with improved S/N. For example, a QCL can deliver >100x more power at 1650 cm⁻¹ compared to a Globar.

The increased power translates to faster mapping speeds. This is particularly important when analyzing large tissue sections. QCL technology enhances the efficiency and sensitivity of FTIR imaging.

The Future of Pathology

The Bruker LUMOS II QCL is poised to revolutionize spatial biology. It enables researchers to gain deeper insights into disease mechanisms. This will accelerate the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Label-free imaging is becoming an increasingly important tool in pathology. The LUMOS II offers a powerful and versatile platform for this application. The future of pathology is here, driven by the speed and insight of the LUMOS II.

Contact Bruker today to learn more about how the LUMOS II can transform your research. Discover the power of rapid, label-free spatial biology. Unlock new possibilities in clinical pathology and pharmaceutical R&D.

Tissue Imaging
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