TEM Sample preparation

The workflow of samples processing for TEM involves several steps: primary fixation (performed in your lab), post-fixation, dehydration, infiltration and embedding in resin (performed in the core). Then ultramicrotomy provides thick sections (0.3 - 1 µm) stained with Toluidine blue suitable for light microscopy, and ultrathin (70 - 90 nm) sections stained with uranyl acetate or KMnO₄ and lead citrate, ready for TEM imaging in the FEI Tecnai G2 Spirit BT transmission electron microscope.