The EM Unit contains all of the equipment necessary to analyse biological samples for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We are also able to offer high-resolution scanning EM (SEM) that includes the ability to look at fully hydrated samples. Using the Gatan 3View system, we can generate serial images through tissue or cell samples for 3D-EM imaging. Over £1 million has been invested in equipment and infrastrucuture since 2004.
In April 2005 we installed an FEI 120kV Tecnai G2 Spirit BioTWIN.
Some of the capabilities of this microscope include:
Various specimen holders are available including the Gatan ±70° cryo-transfer holder and the FEI ±70° single-tilt tomography holder.
In August 2013 we installed an FEI 250 Quanta FEG-ESEM.
Some of the capabilities of this microscope include:
The 3View system is a microtome that sits within a scanning EM. A sample embedded in resin is sectioned and then the block face is imaged, this is then repeated to generate a 3D volume of high resolution serial images.
Download further information (pdf).
Resolution is typically ≥5-10 nm / pixel, sections can be 30-200nm thick, and an image can be taken every minute. This means that from an overnight run 500-1000 images can be taken representing up to 200µm of depth. Typically we are imaging 10-100µm3 volumes overnight to observe anything from organelle organisation through to cell distributions within a tissue or model organism.
Example high resolution images can be seen below. Click on the image for a higher resolution view.
Our lab is fully equipped for reagent preparation including gold probes and coated grids, and for processing samples through a wide range of EM methodologies.
Equipment specifications:
Specialised equipment includes:
Ultramicrotomes:
Cryo-preparation: