Sample Preparation, Imaging, and Consultation
Our experienced Electron Microscopy team provides investigators with state-of-the-art technologies and expertise. We offer consultation, full service specimen preparation, and training in transmission and scanning electron microscopy, or TEM and SEM. We encourage an initial intake meeting and ongoing open communication with our staff to ensure your EM imaging meets your project goals. We also welcome all users to train with us to use the microscopes independently.
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Schedule With Us
To schedule TEM and SEM services with the Electron Microscopy shared resource, or to get more information about how we can work with you, contact our electron microscopy team:
Theo Humphreys
Director, Electron Microscopy
We provide users with high-resolution, high-magnification TEM images of cellular and sub-cellular structures from fixed, embedded material. Fine external details can also be quickly viewed by TEM using negative staining techniques. Individual investigators may conduct imaging on the microscope, or our staff can provide imaging services.
Examples of specimens imaged by TEM include:
- C. elegans in serial section
- Tissue punches
- Whole cell suspension (pelleted)
- Embedded, sectioned bacteria
- Whole bacteria (negative stain)
- Vesicle preps (negative stain)
Image (Right)
- A cross-section image of the ventral nerve cord of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.
- Yeast cells prepared for structural analysis by high pressure freezing followed by freeze substitution.
- Endocytic protein endophilin induces the formation of membrane tubules on liposomes.
- Cross section of fixed and embedded Drosophila sperm.
- A Bacteroides fragilis cell undergoing phage infection.
- Human foreskin fibroblast (HFF) cells infected with herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Virus capsids accumulate in the nuclear compartment before budding from the nuclear membrane as they egress out of the cell..
All scale bars, 500 nm.
Our SEM service offers a high-performance microscope for fast characterization and 3D imaging of fine surface structures on both small and large samples. We offer training and full service imaging for internal and external SEM customers. SEM operation may be conducted by individual investigators or provided by our staff.
Examples of specimens imaged by SEM include:
- Whole cells in culture
- Drosophila (adults and embryos)
- Whole cells and bacteria deposited on coverslips
- Artificial constructs for cell culture
Image (Right)
- Surface of a fruit fly embryo showing excess highly folded membrane that will open out to allow rapid embryo growth.
- Engineered thick, vascularized 3D construct in collagen hydrogel. Sample from Nicole Zeinstra, Zheng Lab (UW).
- BCBL-1 cells in culture.
- Drosophila eye at 2200x.