Alembic

ALEMBIC is the advanced microscopy and bioimaging facility of IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, designed to support biomedical research through cutting-edge light and electron microscopy technologies. The center provides researchers with access to state-of-the-art instrumentation, specialized technical expertise and methodological support for studying the structure and function of biological systems.

The facility integrates advanced imaging technologies with experimental biology, creating a research environment that promotes innovation in microscopy methods and enables detailed investigation of cells, tissues and biological structures.

The bioimaging technologies available at ALEMBIC allow scientists to observe biological phenomena at multiple levels of resolution — from cellular imaging to nanometer-scale ultrastructural analysis — enabling the study of biological processes both in fixed samples and in live cells.

The mission of ALEMBIC is to provide advanced microscopy and biological imaging technologies, together with specialized expertise and training opportunities, to support high-quality research in the life sciences.

The facility aims to:

- Support researchers in the use of advanced bioimaging technologies

- Promote the development and implementation of innovative microscopy methodologies

- Provide training programs and technical guidance in imaging technologies

- Foster national and international scientific collaborations in the fields of microscopy and bioimaging

By combining technological services with methodological innovation, ALEMBIC contributes to the continuous advancement of imaging technologies for biomedical research.

ALEMBIC offers a wide range of advanced microscopy and bioimaging services to support experimental research.

Advanced Light Microscopy

The facility provides multiple light microscopy technologies, including confocal microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, two-photon microscopy and live-cell imaging systems. These technologies allow high-resolution analysis of cellular structures and dynamic biological processes.

Electron Microscopy

ALEMBIC hosts transmission electron microscopy (TEM) instruments for ultrastructural analysis of cells and tissues, enabling researchers to investigate biological samples at very high resolution.

Available techniques include advanced approaches such as 3D electron tomography and correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM), which allow the integration of optical and ultrastructural information.

Image Processing and Data Analysis

The facility is equipped with dedicated workstations and software platforms for image processing, visualization and quantitative analysis. These tools allow researchers to efficiently analyze complex imaging datasets and extract meaningful biological insights.

ALEMBIC provides theoretical and practical training courses focused on microscopy techniques and bioimaging methodologies.

To access the instruments independently, researchers are required to attend introductory training sessions organized by the facility staff and complete hands-on training for each instrument.

This training ensures the correct use of equipment and guarantees high standards of experimental data quality.

ALEMBIC hosts a broad range of light and electron microscopy systems designed to support different imaging applications.

Light Microscopy

- High-resolution confocal microscopes

- Live-cell imaging platforms

- Widefield and fluorescence microscopes

- Two-photon microscopy systems

- Light-sheet microscopy systems

- High-content imaging and screening platforms

Electron Microscopy

- Transmission electron microscopes (TEM)

- Advanced sample preparation equipment

- Technologies for electron tomography and ultrastructural imaging

These technologies allow researchers to investigate biological samples using multiple imaging modalities across different spatial scales.

ALEMBIC is coordinated by Cesare Covino, who oversees the scientific and technical activities of the facility and supports researchers in the design and implementation of imaging experiments.

The team includes specialists in microscopy technologies and imaging analysis who provide continuous technical assistance to researchers.

Through the combination of advanced instrumentation, scientific expertise and training programs, ALEMBIC represents a key resource supporting biomedical research at IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele.