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Electron microscopy

For sub-micron and even sub-nanometre resolution of various sample types, the transmission electron microscope (TEM) is extensively used for both biological and chemical studies of cell sections and novel compounds.

The scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used for morphological studies of even more varied sample types. These vary from single cells to light bulb elements.

There is a range of peripheral equipment.

Our TEM is an FEI Tecnai 12 G2 fitted with a CCD camera for ease and speed of use. The resolution is around 0.4nm and capable of discriminating small variation in size of nm particles. The TEM is also used to study protein localisation and co-localisation with gold particles. Our technician has all the necessary experience to prepare samples of varying kinds (plant and animal sections, immuno-labelling of cryosections, nanoparticles samples).

The SEM is ideal for detailed morphological studies which are beyond the resolution of light microscopes. Samples vary from the monocultured cell to plant leaves, light bulb filaments through to metal chips.

 

Equipment

 

TEM - FEI Tecnai 12 G2

  • 20kV-120kV high voltage range
  • BioTWIN configuration for high contrast imaging
  • Computer-controlled high stability Compustage
  • Single and multigrid specimen holders
  • Fully embedded digital imaging system with SIS Megaview III camera
  Transmission electron microscope

SEM - JEOL JSM-6490LV

  • High and low vacuum capability
  • Secondary and backscattered electron imaging
  • Quorum Technologies PP2000 cryosystem
  Scanning electron microscope

Contact: Peter O'Toole, Clare Steele-King

Methanococcus maripaludis cells Source: Meg Stark, Ken Jarrell, 2010 Source: Meg Stark, TF