Electron Microscope Sample Preparation
Electron Microscope Sample Preparation
Sample Preparation
In the field of electron microscopy, perfect sample preparation is a prerequisite and crucial step. Leica Microsystems offers a comprehensive product portfolio for preparation of biological, medical and industrial samples. Concentrating on workflow solutions we provide a product range that is perfectly aligned to all your needs for precise sample preparation in TEM, SEM, and AFM investigations. Each Leica solution consists of several instruments that are perfectly geared to one another to form a seamless workflow for your sample.
Critical Point Dryer
Fully automated and controlled process!
The procedure of critical point drying is an efficient method for drying delicate samples for SEM applications. It preserves the surface structure of a specimen which could otherwise be damaged due to surface tension when changing from the liquid to gaseous state. The Leica EM CPD300 critical point dryerdries biological specimens such as pollen, tissue, plants, insects, as well as industrial samples, like Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) or Micro fluids and gels in a fully automated and controlled process. You can rely on the same high sample quality from every run.
Sample Transfer System
Seamless workflows!
When transferring specimens to the chamber of an analysis system it is essential to protect the samples from contamination. Concentrating on workflow solutions, Leica Microsystems has developed a sophisticated vacuum transfer system which provides transfer options for all kind of samples. Users can thus rely on a system that works seamlessly without interruption: The transport systems and Leica EM VCT500 serves as a shuttle from one step to the next, always preserving cryo and / or vacuum conditions.
Tissue Processor
Only correctly prepared tissues provide useful microscopic information. Leica Microsystems’ tissue processors reduce the risk of an inappropriate handling by automation as well as increasing efficiency, making sure you can reproduce the process at any time.
Reduce Processing Time
With minimal user interaction, the Leica EM TP processes and embeds into resin.
Increase User Safety
Automatic processing of tissue minimizes contact with hazardous reagents, provides reproducible results, increases time savings and improves user safety in the laboratory. The Leica EM TP tissue processor, designed for EM and LM resin processing, features an exhaust system that supports safer use of toxic substances.
Trimming Systems
For biological, industrial or pharmaceutical applications!
High Preparing embedded samples for ultramicrotomy is a delicate task. As the shape of the block face and the straightness of the edges of the trimmed sample have a profound effect on the sectioning characteristics, parallel edges top and bottom are a must.
Leica Microsystems’ trimming devices for biological, industrial or pharmaceutical applications make the first step of sample preparation safe, accurate, fast and reliable. Users who prepare TEM specimens for ultrathin sections obtain surfaces of the highest sectioning quality. In pharmaceutical research pills can be milled with maximum safety and precision.
Pharmaceutical Research
In the development of new medications, the distribution of active ingredients within a tablet plays an important role in their effectiveness. Prepare tablets for quantitative NIR (near-infrared) spectroscopy quickly and with maximum precision using the Leica EM RAPID milling system. High-performance tungsten carbide or diamond milling tools decapsulate and mill without smearing effects from the outer capsule layer.
Trimming for SEM, TEM and LM
Conventional trimming of embedded samples involves the use of razor blades and a great deal of skill by the ultramicrotomist. The Leica EM RAPID specimen trimming device helps you to produce a perfect pyramid and cutting face of both biological and industrial samples safely, rapidly and accurately within less than 60 seconds.
Cryo Preparation Systems
Visualize highly dynamic processes!
High pressure freezing is often the preferred method for preserving aqueous samples in their close-to-native state, as it captures the intricate changes in fine structure or cellular dynamics. Leica Microsystems combines high pressure freezing with light stimulation or electrical stimulation: It enables you to visualize highly dynamic processes or the structural changes of samples at a nanometer resolution and with millisecond precision. This allows researchers in life sciences and industry to get answers to questions for which they were unable to design experiments before.
Fully Integrated Light Stimulation
The Leica EM ICE high pressure freezer is the only instrument capable of synchronizing freezing and stimulation with a millisecond precision. Apply light stimulation to any light sensitive compound such as lotions, cosmetics, or food, and photo-activated samples such as proteins, or various biological samples.
Fluid or Thin Sample Preparation
To prepare vitrified thin samples for cryo-TEM, including biological suspensions and industrial emulsions in both aqueous and inorganic solvents, the bare grid technique is used. The Leica EM GP2 plunge freezes fluid or extremely thin samples spread on an electron microscopy grid into liquid ethane after removing excess fluid by automatic blotting.
Freeze Substitution at Low Temperature
Freeze Substitution is a common follow-on procedure to high pressure freezing and other cryo fixation methods. It is the process of dehydration of the frozen specimen by an organic solvent at low temperature in the presence of a secondary fixative. The Leica EM AFS2 freeze substitution and low temperature embedding system features a remote control that makes it easy to access your system at any time from any location, and be in control of your experiment and laboratory.
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