The RMC Powertome XL ultramicrotome is used for cutting thick and ultrathin resin sections, on either glass or diamond knifes, for TEM or SEM. Ultramicrotomy training is provided to users interested in obtaining their own thick and ultrathin sections.

Reliable results of quality TEM images depend not only on the available equipment, but much more critically on the preparation of the sample, the imaging conditions and the careful interpretation of the data. TEM interpretation of images on both normal and altered ultrastructure is provided upon request.

Glow discharge of grids for TEM allows to remove contaminants and ensure an optimal sample adhesion. This procedure alter wetting properties of surfaces increasing the number of retained molecules and the charge of the surface spreading evenly on the grid.

For SEM processing, the sample is fixed (performed in your lab), and followed by post-fixation, dehydration and chemically dry using HMDS (performed in the core). 

Negative staining for TEM is widely used to visualize at high resolution a number of biological samples (e.g., viruses, protein molecules, macromolecular assemblies and fibrils,  liposomes, exosomes, synthetic DNA arrays, and polymer solutions). In this technique, samples are adsorbed to carbon support films and contrasted for electron imaging by surrounding the material with a thin aqueous film of heavy metal-containing negative staining solution and allowing to air-dry.

Quantitative analyses are performed previous discussion of the parameters to be analyzed on your samples, using the AMT Image Capture Engine tools, or commonly used free open source image analysis software available, such as Fiji/ImageJ, Cell Profiler, Ilastick, Orbit, Icy and Cytomine.

Individual training is available to the users interested in operating the FEI Tecnai G2 Spirit BT transmission electron microscope to obtain their own images.  The Assisted use mode is available to the users interested in the staff imaging their samples upon request. 

Individual training is available to the users interested in sectioning their samples in the ultramicrotomes. In the Assisted use mode the staff perform the sectioning (thick and ultrathin sections) samples upon request. 

The EMS100X glow discharge unit produces a plasma current of 0 - 50 mA with positive and negative polarity with respect to carbon film surface, 60 mm diameter and aluminium electrode.