Precision Partners: Innopsys x Argolight

In the intricate realm of pathology, drug discovery, and advanced research in brain function, cancer, and stem cells, the role of slide scanners has become increasingly pivotal. These devices must seamlessly combine user-friendliness with the delivery of high-resolution, top-tier images.

Fluorescence slide scanners, akin to any fluorescence microscope, and despite their automated design, reap substantial benefits from vigilant validation and monitoring of system performance.

In a recent interview with one of Argolight’s esteemed industrial clients, Innopsys, we delved into their experience with Argolight slides on the cutting-edge Innoquant slide-scanner.

Could you introduce the InnoQuant slide scanner?

InnoQuant is a fluorescence slide scanner for microscope slides.

Boasting four lasers (357 nm, 488 nm, 561 nm, 640 nm), the InnoQuant system enables simultaneous signal acquisition from four fluorescence channels, delivering resolutions down to 0.5 µm/pixel. The system’s sensitive detectors excel at capturing faint signals while maintaining an optimal signal-to-noise ratio. Moreover, operators can customize their experience by adding up to six additional filters per channel for multiplexing.

How is it different from other slide scanners?

What sets the InnoQuant system apart from its counterparts is its seamless operation. Bid farewell to the time-consuming task of tracking down samples or adjusting focus manually; the software takes care of it all. With swift and continuous scanning, there’s no need for stitching or tiling. The result? Your sample is recorded and stored as a single, homogeneous image. The InnoQuant system offers both a single-slide version and an autoloader version, catering to high-throughput experiments with the capacity to handle up to 24 slides.

“From quantifying biomarkers within whole tissue sections
to studying cell morphology and conducting tissue microarray analyses,
the applications are vast and diverse.”

What are the applications of this product?

InnoQuant can scan many types of 2D fluorescent samples: from cells to thick tissues (1.6mm  thick). You want a specific holder? They are customizable! Customization is key, and the InnoQuant R&D team is adept at handling specific requests. From quantifying biomarkers within whole tissue sections to studying cell morphology and conducting tissue microarray analyses, the applications are vast and diverse.

Could you briefly introduce the Innopsys mission?

Innopsys is an innovative SME located near Toulouse (France) that design and manufacture scientific instruments for life science. After 25 years, we are world leaders in slide scanners. Every instrument, designed and manufactured in France, finds its way to laboratories and hospitals globally, both public and private.

Thanks to our knowledge and experience, our high added value product and the quality of our technical support, we are present in more than 50 countries. A robust distribution network, coupled with a sales subsidiary in Chicago (USA), ensures widespread accessibility and support.

How is the Argolight slide useful for you?

Quality control! We rely on Argolight technology during the production stage to validate the settings.

 Afterward, upon delivery of the slide scanner to the customer, we include an Argolight slide. It allows the customer to perform an automatic “Check Scanner”. This test controls many parameters such as optical alignment, signal intensity, crosstalk, and many more.

“We rely on Argolight technology during the production stage to validate the settings.”

Would you recommend Argolight solutions?

Yes, I would definitely recommend Argolight solutions, they provide validation tools that meet both our industrial requirements and our customer needs. Robust, long-lasting, and easy to use, the Argolight slide simply allows us to control the quality of our product. While Argolight products may not be the cheapest, they undeniably deliver the required technical specifications for our quality needs.  

Argolight solutions are perfectly suited for slide scanner calibration, with Argo-LM, Argo-HM, or customized products such as the Argo-Innopsys slide, and the associated Daybook software. For more information, feel free to reach out.

In the ever-evolving landscape of microscopy, the collaboration between Argolight and Innopsys is engaged in innovation and precision.