Biological Imaging Service—Serial Block Face Scanning Electron Microscope

Biological imaging is an important research tool for understanding tissue structure and elucidating the various physiological functions of living organisms. It uses light or electron microscopy to obtain direct images of the microstructure of biological cells and tissues, and the resulting images are analyzed to understand the various physiological processes of biological cells. CD BioSciences' Bioimaging Centre has dozens of devices and, more importantly, our expertise and experience are invaluable to the industries and clients we serve. We can provide Serial Block Face Scanning Electron Microscope-based bioimaging services.

Name of the Instrument/Platform

Serial Block Face Scanning Electron Microscope

Introduction

1. This Zeiss Sigma VP 3View system is a Gatan 3View SBF microtome housed in a Gemini SEM column.
2. It is equipped with several detectors for both regular SEM imaging and SBF imaging. It includes an in-lens detector for detecting secondary (SE) and/or backscattered (BSE) electrons as well as a Variable Pressure Secondary Electron (VPSE G3) detector.
3. The SMART SEM software is for imaging in SEM mode and the Gatan Microscopy Suite (also known as Gatan Digital Micrograph) is for SBF imaging and data analysis.
4. < 50 nm X, Y stage repeatability allows multi-region imaging without losing data due to imprecise stage motion.
5. You can automatically acquire images across multiple regions of the sample utilizing multi-regions of interest (mROIs).
6. Large format image support (up to 32k × 24k) allows very large images to be collected.
7. 15 nm Z section thickness without the need to unblur multi-kV images
8. High performance back-scatter detector allows high speed imaging at low kV withou

Summary

The SBF-SEM is an automated technique for obtaining serial block face images and 3D data using a SEM. Our Zeiss Sigma VP 3View system is a Gatan 3View SBF microtome housed in a Gemini SEM column. The microtome is equipped with a diamond knife which is mounted inside the chamber of the SEM and shaves of <50nm (15-200 nm) of the sample in between imaging. Images are collected using a backscattered (BD) electron detector which results in a TEM-like image. The SBF-SEM imaging process is fully automated, allowing for a large volume acquisition without the risk of losing sections.

In recent years, with the development of optical imaging technology, especially the introduction of digital imaging and computer image analysis, bioimaging has become an indispensable method in cell biology research. CD BioSciences' bioimaging laboratory is committed to providing state-of-the-art technical support to our customers. If you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact us.

For research use only, not intended for any clinical use.

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