Electron Microscopy
The Bioimaging Centre delivers advanced electron microscopy solutions that enable researchers to explore biological structure, composition and function from the cellular to the molecular scale. Our facilities combine state-of-the-art transmission and scanning electron microscopy with a broad range of specialised workflows, including serial sectioning, volume EM, correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM), immunogold labelling, quantitative morphometrics, nanoparticle analysis and elemental characterisation by EDX. Complemented by dedicated cryogenic capabilities, high-pressure freezing and freeze substitution technologies, researchers can access everything from conventional ultrastructural imaging to cutting-edge cryo-EM and cryo-SEM approaches. Across all modalities, experienced specialist staff provide training, consultation and expert support, helping researchers obtain robust, high-quality data throughout every stage of the electron microscopy workflow.
We encourage our users to get in touch to discuss the various services we can provide in terms of morphological analysis and quantification of ultrastructure.
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
Vitrobot
The Vitrobot is a plunge-freezing device for cryoEM sample preparation. It rapidly vitrifies aqueous biological samples on electron microscopy grids by blotting excess liquid and plunging the grids into liquid ethane, preserving the native structure of biomolecules in a near-native, frozen-hydrated state.
Leica EM UC7 Ultramicrotome
We use the Leica EM UC7 ultramicrotome to obtain ultrathin sections for electron microscopy. Biological material which is embedded in a resin can be trimmed into shape and then cut into semi- or ultrathin sections for TEM or SEM examination. Section thickness can be adjusted between 20 nm and 2 um.
RMC LN Ultra Cryosectioning System
We use a high stability cryosectioning system to obtain the sections used in the Tokuyasu technique for immunogold labelling. The cryosystem can be attached to our RMC ultracut and uses liquid nitrogen to keep the cryochamber at low temperature (typically between -80 and -120 degrees).
Specifications
- Insulated and externally heated cryosectioning chamber
- Control unit with digital display of knife and specimen temperatures
- 12 l table top LN2 dewar
- PC for operating the room temperature and low temperature ultrasectioning modes
- Diatome anti-static ionizer for controlling static during sectioning
RMC POWERTOME PC Ultracut
For the preparation of thin sections for electron microscopy we use the RMC ultracut to slice the samples once embedded in plastic resins. The new ultracut is provided with a cutting engine with exceptional levels of precision tolerance. This design reduces “play” between the parts of the engine to a minimum, virtually eliminating section chatter and susceptibility to external vibration. See download the User Guide for PowerTome Ultramicrotomes (.pdf) for further technical information.
Knife maker
The GKM-2 is specifically designed to incorporate the “balanced break” method to produce optimum knife edges. A digital readout as well as micrometre positioners make it easy to get controlled consistent slow breaks to obtain glass knives suitable for resin as well as cryo ultrasectioning.