Soft X-ray Microscopy for Advanced Cellular Imaging
SiriusXT transforms cell and tissue imaging with the SXT-100: the first commercial, laboratory scale
soft X-ray microscope. Our pioneering technology revolutionises 3D cellular imaging workflows.
Applications
Advancing Biomedical Research
The SXT-100 advances disease research by revealing cellular changes during processes like infection, cancer, or neurodegeneration. Nanomedicine delivery can be validated, therapeutic effects evaluated, and targeted therapy development accelerated.
Disease Research
Drug Research
Correlative Workflow
A Lab-based Subcellular Imaging Solution
The SXT-100
Our lab-scale soft x-ray microscope is a world first.
X-ray Source Chamber
Vacuum source chamber containing the laser driven plasma source and X-ray collection optics.
Drive Laser
Standard machining laser with pulse widths of a few nanoseconds and pulse energies up to 60 mJ focused onto the target.
Condenser Chamber
Vacuum chamber housing the multilayer wavelength selection optics as well as the grazing incidence condenser optic.
Cryo Sample Chamber
Vacuum sample chamber with cooled cryo stage at 100K. The sample is loaded vertically via a vacuum load lock.
CCD Camera
Standard back illuminated X-ray CCD camera with 2k x 2k pixels and cooled to -80C. This sits on a variable magnification rail.
Innovative Features
Our cutting-edge lab-scale soft x-ray microscope boasts groundbreaking features never seen before.
Compact Design
The SXT-100 delivers synchrotron-level imaging capabilities in a compact design, producing full cell tomograms in under an hour. This is enabled by our bright and compact soft X-ray light source.
Innovative Illumination Source
The SXT-100’s core key innovation is our patented laser driven plasma source, which is optimised to emit strongly in the soft x-ray ‘water window’ region of the spectrum (between 2-4 nm). Our technology provides high brightness, stable and extremely robust sample illumination.
Agile Platform
Designed for seamless integration and correlation with other imaging modalities. By offering integrated fluorescence, configurable data acquisition schemes and flexibility in choice of sample holder, our cutting-edge technology streamlines imaging workflows.
Breakthrough Science
Revolutionising Cellular Imaging with Soft X-ray Microscopy
Whole Cell/Tissue Imaging
Capture the subcellular morphology of hydrated whole-cells and bulk tissue slabs up to 10 µm thick with a 3D-resolution of ca. 50 nm and completely label-free. Accelerate your research timeline with high-throughput correlative imaging workflows, facilitated by an integrated multicolour epifluorescence microscope and compatibility with standard electron microscopy sample carriers.
Label-free
In the so-called ‘water window’ region of the spectrum, low-energy or ‘soft’ x-rays (~500 eV, or 2.4 nm) penetrate water easily but are strongly absorbed by carbon-containing organelles. This natural-contrast capability allows for near-native imaging of biological cells and organelles in hydrated conditions without requiring staining or chemical fixation.
High 3D resolution
The SXT-100 achieves a lateral full pitch resolution of about 50 nm, with isotopic 3D resolution achievable with full tilt tomography on glass capillaries or cryo lift-out pillars of up to 10 µm in diameter.
Quantitative
The SXT-100 provides organelle specific quantification based on the linear absorption coefficient (LAC), which is related to the density and composition of cellular components. The shape, size, surface area and spatial distribution of organelles can be measured to ca. 50 nm resolution.
Non-destructive
SXT is a non-destructive imaging technique that enables the 3D visualisation of whole, intact cells and tissues without the need for sectioning or staining. Preserving the natural state of the sample ensures that it can be further processed for downstream electron microscopy interrogation in finer detail.
Efficient Workflow
SXT-100 Cell Imaging Workflow
Step 1
Vitrification
Cells are grown by routine culture methods on standard finder grids or loaded into thin-walled glass capillaries. Cells are then vitrified (by either plunge or high pressure freezing) to preserve cellular structure without crystallisation.
Step 2
Fluorescence Microscopy Screening
The SXT-100 includes an integrated widefield epifluorescence microscope which allows quick screening of the sample to identify individual, isolated cell candidates for soft x-ray tomography as well as correlation of subcellular features. This step can optionally be performed offline using a dedicated cryo sample stage attached to a standard microscope.
Step 3
Soft X-ray Imaging
Regions of interest identified in FM mode are dialled up and viewed as 2D soft X-ray projections at low magnification. The sample is then rotated, typically from +60° to – 60° in 1° steps for flat samples, with a 2D projection image acquired at each position. Full tilt tomography from +90° to – 90° can be achieved with glass capillaries or tissue pillars.
Step 4
3D Reconstruction and Segmentation
SiriusXT’s fiducial-free program automatically aligns the stack of acquired 2D images prior to reconstruction. Industry standard reconstruction, registration and segmentation software can be used for visualisation and analysis of 3D volumes.
About Us
Pioneers in Soft X-ray Imaging Technology
Driven by a bold vision to make high-resolution soft x-ray microscopy accessible, our three co-founders from the School of Physics at University College Dublin launched SiriusXT in October 2015.
Within a decade, our expert team of physicists, engineers and scientists have pushed technological boundaries to develop the core technology behind the SXT-100 and propel our unique solution into life science imaging labs. This compact and reliable device transforms cell and tissue imaging, accelerating disease and drug discoveries that lead to life-saving vaccines and medicines.
Image Gallery
Explore the Power of Soft X-ray Imaging
Discover the intricate beauty of cellular structures by exploring our gallery of stunning soft X-ray images captured with the SXT-100 soft X-ray microscope.
Let’s Connect
Get in Touch with SiriusXT
Interested in a demo or consultation?
Contact our team to learn how the SXT-100 can advance your research.
