Description
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Aalborg University (AAU) aims to acquire a versatile Laser capture MicroDissection (LMD) system to enable clinical and life science workflows in spatial proteomics, transcriptomics, and multi-omics from cells, soft tissue to robust tissues (tendon, bone). The main ambition is to expand their analytical capabilities in the field of deep visual proteomics (DVP) by Mass Spectrometry using a wide range of biological specimens. The instrument will be used for running low to medium scale spatial DVP experiments and implementing single-cell to regional tissue multi-omics experimental workflows and supporting spatial RNA sequencing experiments. Furthermore, cell manipulation or isolation of single-cells in suspension is an future request. The multicolor (>4 filter) options will be applied to protein array scanning at high spatial resolution. The combined system for laser microdissection (MMI CellCut) and Whole Slide Imaging (MMI CellScan) as well as MMI CellRobot is distributed by Molecular Machines and Industries GmbH and is the only versatile LMD system on the market that encompassing all the required features. The MMI CellScan is a cutting-edge whole slide scanner designed to convert any sample format into high-resolution digital data in 5 dimensions. It offers time-lapse imaging for dynamic studies, Z-stack scanning to capture depth, XY scanning for full-slide coverage, and multi-color fluorescence for comprehensive molecular insights. The versability of the CellScan allows imaging of non-tissue speciments such as protein array slides. The MMI CellCut is the most gentle laser microdissection system on the market, designed to protect the surrounding area and preserve the biological integrity of the cut sample. This precision enables reproducible and meaningful results in Deep Visual Proteomics (DVP) experiments and other research applications. The system achieves gentle cutting using a low-energy laser (pulse energy <= 2 µJ), ensuring that tissue remains undamaged. Despite the low energy, the laser operates with a high pulse rate (4 kHz), providing sufficient energy to cut even thicker tissue samples. In addition, the CellCut system offers a serial cutting function for three-point shape and position annotations and a z-drill function that allows wet and thicker tissue areas to be cut step by step with a definable z-step size. This combination delivers the best cutting performance on the market, with a very precise cutting edge of 0.3 µm. Moreover, MMI is the only supplier whose system moves the stage rather than the laser during the cutting procedure. This innovative approach keeps the laser consistently in optimal focus, enhancing cutting efficiency and precision. The MMI CellCut enables leading live cell-cutting ability to culture, dissect and isolate live cells, also in fluorescence mode. In contrast to systems that uses an upright microscope, the MMI laser comes from below, allowing for the dissection of living cells within live-cell chambers or 18-well membrane slides without the need to remove the culture media. This ensures the highest cell integrity for meaningful proteomics applications and re-cultivation. The process is contamination-free, as there is no need to open the culture dish, unlike alternative LMD systems. Additionally, the CellCut LMD system can be combined with a climate chamber offering full environmental control to maintain optimal conditions during the process. Based on a completed market analysis, Aalborg University assesses that, due to the technical reasons mentioned above, only one supplier can meet the total delivery. For those technical reasons, the contract will awarded without prior publication of a tender announcement in accordance with the section §80(3)(2) of the Danish Public Procurement Act. The contract will not be concluded until after expiry of standstill period of 10 calendar days, calculated from the day on which the Direct award preannouncement is Published.