
( Brand: Nikon ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: 96311 ), ( Part Type: Filter ), ( Country Of Origin: Japan ), ( Unit Type: Unit ), ( Intended Use/discipline: Biological Laboratory, Dental Laboratory, Medical Laboratory, Microbiological Laboratory, Physical Laboratory ), ( UPC: 801234438511 )
The **Nikon 96311 B-2E/C Fluorescence Filter Cube (G-2E/C Cy5 UV-2E/C)** is a high-performance, precision-engineered optical component designed for advanced fluorescence microscopy applications, particularly within research and medical imaging systems. This filter cube is meticulously crafted to facilitate the excitation, emission, and separation of specific wavelengths, enabling the visualization of fluorescent dyes such as Cy5, a near-infrared fluorophore commonly used in biological and biomedical studies. The cube integrates three critical components: a **B-2E/C excitation filter**, a **G-2E/C dichroic mirror**, and a **UV-2E/C emission filter**, each optimized to maximize signal clarity while minimizing background noise and phototoxicity.
The **excitation filter (B-2E/C)** is engineered to transmit a narrow, high-intensity band of ultraviolet light, typically around the 400 450 nm range, which efficiently energizes Cy5 and other near-infrared fluorophores. This filter is designed with a steep cutoff to block unwanted wavelengths, ensuring that only the precise excitation spectrum reaches the sample, thereby enhancing contrast and reducing bleaching effects. The **dichroic mirror (G-2E/C)** serves as the critical separator within the cube, reflecting the excitation light downward toward the specimen while allowing the longer-wavelength emission light typically in the 650 750 nm range for Cy5 to pass through unobstructed. This mirror is precision-coated to maintain high reflectance efficiency and minimal absorption, ensuring optimal light throughput and minimizing heat generation.
The **emission filter (UV-2E/C)** is strategically positioned to block residual excitation light and other stray wavelengths, allowing only the desired fluorescent emission to reach the detector. This filter is particularly important for Cy5 imaging, as it effectively isolates the near-infrared signal from shorter-wavelength autofluorescence or scattering artifacts, which can otherwise overwhelm the weaker Cy5 signal. The entire assembly is housed in a robust, durable metal frame, ensuring mechanical stability and alignment precision, which is essential for maintaining consistent imaging performance across extended use.
Ideal for applications requiring deep tissue imaging, multiplexed labeling, or the study of long-lived fluorophores, this filter cube is compatible with Nikon s advanced fluorescence microscopes, including the Ti-E, Ti2, and Eclipse systems. Its design adheres to stringent optical standards, providing exceptional spectral purity and long-term reliability, making it an indispensable tool for researchers seeking high-resolution, high-contrast fluorescence imaging. Whether used in cellular biology, neuroscience, or molecular diagnostics, the **Nikon 96311 B-2E/C Fluorescence Filter Cube** delivers unparalleled clarity and precision, enabling breakthrough discoveries in fluorescence-based research.
The Nikon 96311 B-2E/C Fluorescence Filter Cube (G-2E/C Cy5 UV-2E/C) is a specialized optical filter set designed for fluorescence microscopy, particularly for imaging samples labeled with Cy5 dyes under UV excitation. Below is a detailed breakdown of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.
---
### **Pros**
1. **Compatibility with Cy5 Dyes**
The filter cube is specifically optimized for Cy5 fluorophores, which emit in the far-red spectrum (around 670 nm). Cy5 is useful for deep-tissue imaging and multiplexing due to its minimal autofluorescence interference and high photostability. This makes the filter cube ideal for applications requiring long-term imaging or co-labeling with other fluorophores.
2. **UV Excitation Capability**
The inclusion of a UV-2E/C component allows for excitation in the ultraviolet range ( 330 380 nm), which can be advantageous for certain fluorescent probes or autofluorescence suppression in specific samples. UV excitation is less commonly used in modern fluorescence microscopy due to potential phototoxicity and sample degradation, but it remains useful in specialized applications.
3. **Modular Design for Nikon Systems**
Nikon s filter cubes are designed to be compatible with their epifluorescence and confocal microscopes (e.g., Ti-E, Ti2, A1, A1R). The B-2E/C series is part of Nikon s high-quality filter line, which often includes precise alignment and durability. This modularity allows users to swap filter cubes easily for different experiments.
4. **High-Quality Optics**
Nikon s filter cubes are generally engineered with high-quality dichroic mirrors and emission filters to minimize bleed-through between excitation and emission wavelengths. This reduces cross-talk and improves image clarity, especially in multiplexed experiments.
5. **Long-Term Durability**
Nikon components are known for their robustness and longevity. The filter cube is built to withstand repeated use without significant degradation, which is critical for research labs with high throughput or long-term projects.
6. **Support for Advanced Imaging Techniques**
The filter cube can be integrated into systems supporting advanced techniques like total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) or structured illumination microscopy (SIM), depending on the microscope configuration. This flexibility extends the cube s utility beyond standard epifluorescence.
7. **Compatibility with Nikon s Software**
Nikon s imaging software (e.g., NIS-Elements) is optimized to work seamlessly with their hardware, including filter cubes. This integration can simplify workflows, such as automated filter switching and image acquisition.
---
### **Cons**
1. **Limited to Cy5 and UV Applications**
The primary limitation is that this filter cube is **not versatile** for other common fluorophores like FITC, Texas Red, or DAPI. If your research involves multiple dyes, you would need to purchase additional filter cubes, increasing costs and complexity. For example:
- Cy5 (far-red) may not be compatible with other red fluorophores like Cy3 or Alexa Fluor 594 without additional cubes.
- UV excitation is rarely used in contemporary fluorescence microscopy due to photodamage risks, so this feature may not be frequently utilized.
2. **Cost**
Nikon filter cubes are generally more expensive than third-party alternatives (e.g., Chroma, Semrock, or Zeiss filter sets). For a specialized cube like this, the price can be prohibitive for labs on a tight budget, especially if they don t frequently use Cy5 or UV excitation.
3. **Potential for Autofluorescence Interference**
While Cy5 is less prone to autofluorescence than shorter-wavelength dyes, UV excitation can still excite endogenous fluorophores in some samples (e.g., collagen, elastin, or certain proteins). This may require additional controls or post-processing to isolate specific signals.
4. **Phototoxicity and Sample Damage**
UV excitation is inherently damaging to biological samples due to high-energy photons. Prolonged exposure can lead to photobleaching or cellular stress, limiting the applicability of this cube for live-cell imaging or sensitive samples.
5. **Maintenance and Replacement Costs**
Over time, dichroic mirrors and filters can degrade, especially if exposed to high-intensity light sources or improper handling. Replacing individual components (e.g., a dichroic mirror) can be costly, and Nikon s proprietary parts may not always be readily available or affordable.
6. **Learning Curve for UV Imaging**
UV fluorescence microscopy requires careful optimization of exposure times, laser power, and sample preparation to avoid artifacts or damage. Researchers unfamiliar with UV imaging may need additional training or troubleshooting.
7. **Compatibility Issues with Non-Nikon Systems**
While Nikon s filter cubes are designed for their own microscopes, integrating them into third-party systems (e.g., Leica, Olympus) may require additional adapters or modifications, adding complexity and potential alignment challenges.
---
### **Conclusion**
The Nikon 96311 B-2E/C Fluorescence Filter Cube is a **high-quality, specialized tool** for applications requiring Cy5 excitation and UV imaging. It excels in scenarios where:
- Cy5 labeling is essential (e.g., deep-tissue imaging, multiplexing with other far-red dyes).
- UV excitation is necessary for specific probes or autofluorescence suppression.
- Long-term durability and Nikon s ecosystem compatibility are priorities.
However, its **limited versatility** (lack of support for common fluorophores like FITC or GFP) and **high cost** make it less ideal for general fluorescence microscopy. Additionally, the **phototoxicity risks associated with UV** and the **need for additional cubes** for other dyes may outweigh its benefits for many researchers.
---
### **Recommendation**
**Purchase this filter cube if:**- Your research **exclusively or primarily** involves Cy5-labeled samples and requires UV excitation (e.g., imaging rare or sensitive probes where Cy5 is the only viable option).
- You are already invested in Nikon s microscopy platform and need a seamless integration with their systems.
- Budget constraints are not a limiting factor, and the long-term durability justifies the cost.
**Consider alternatives if:**- You work with a **diverse range of fluorophores** (e.g., FITC, Cy3, DAPI). In this case, a **broad-spectrum filter cube** (e.g., Nikon s B-2A or a multi-channel cube) or third-party options (e.g., Chroma s ET filter sets) may be more cost-effective.
- UV excitation is **not a critical requirement**. Many modern applications rely on visible-light excitation (e.g., 488 nm for GFP, 561 nm for mCherry), which reduces phototoxicity and simplifies imaging.
- You are working with **live cells or sensitive samples**. In such cases, avoid UV excitation and opt for visible-light cubes to minimize damage.
- Cost is a major concern. Third-party filter cubes (e.g., Semrock s BrightLine or Chroma s ET series) often offer comparable performance at a lower price.
**Final Suggestion:**If Cy5 is a **minor component** of your workflow, evaluate whether purchasing this cube alone is worth the investment. Instead, consider a **multi-channel filter turret** (e.g., Nikon s Multi-Point Exciter or a custom-built system) that can accommodate multiple fluorophores in a single setup. This approach provides flexibility and reduces the need for multiple individual cubes.
The yellow labels are intact and legible, displaying clear model information. This lot includes four Nikon fluorescence filter cubes designed for microscopy applications requiring specific excitation and emission wave length filtering. Country of Manufacture: Japan Functional Testing: Tested and fully functional, This fluorescence filter cube set shows minor wear with light scuffs handling marks on the black plastic housings. The optical components appear clean and intact.
Brand: Nikon model: Fluorescence Filter Cube model Number/MPN: 96311 B-2E/C Cube, 96312 G-2E/C 31023 CY5 96310 UV-2E/C Includes: 4 Cubes Condition Note: - Degradation present on one of the filters. Each cube is configured for different fluorescence channels, making them suitable multi-channel imaging setups in laboratory environments.