UC Enuity Ultramicrotome

Ultramicrotomy produces ultrathin sections commonly used for TEM and SEM-based volume workflows such as array tomography. Typical section thickness is ~50–300 nm for TEM, while SEM array tomography typically requires sections below 50 nm.

Automated trimming helps standardize block-face preparation for smoother sectioning and easier pickup. With UC Enuity, define boundaries once and use AutoTrim to shape a rectangular or trapezoid block face in a single run, supporting parallel edges that help ribbon formation and reduce hands-on time for standard trimming tasks. A clean block face can also help protect diamond knives before sectioning. 

Automated alignment makes critical setup steps easier to teach and repeat across changing users. UC Enuity automatically aligns block face and knife, supported by an integrated camera and large on-screen interface so trainers and trainees can follow actions together. Motorized micro-step adjustments (knife angle, sample tilt, and rotation) support controlled fine alignment, helping users start sectioning with more confidence and consistency.

Yes. UC Enuity supports fluorescence-guided trimming and sectioning so you can follow fluorescent signals during preparation and reach regions of interest with fewer detours. Fluorescence monitoring is available at room temperature and under cryo conditions when used with the M205 FA stereomicroscope, supporting correlative workflows by helping target labeled regions efficiently for downstream electron microscopy preparation.

In CEMOVIS, you require a small blockface because of the mechanics and physics of cutting vitrified water, not because of imaging constraints. A large block face increases cutting artefacts and makes high‑quality vitreous sections essentially impossible. Therefore, fluorescence targeting is especially powerful for CEMOVIS because it lets you precisely identify the correct position in your sample. 

Cryo planing is controlled surface trimming or polishing at cryogenic temperatures to remove contamination, reduce ice artifacts, and expose regions of interest. It also helps achieve smoother surfaces and improve resolution of fluorescence imaging for better correlation of light and electron microscopy.

Import 3D µCT data, define the plane you want to reach, and use guided trimming to remove excess resin and expose the target plane. UC Enuity supports accurate 3D target trimming based on µCT data, helping reduce trial-and-error when targets are buried in resin. This can help you start downstream 3D volume acquisition closer to where it matters for volume EM workflows.

The key distinction between an ultramicrotome and a standard microtome lies in the thickness of the sections they produce and their respective applications in biological research. While a standard microtome is versatile for generating thicker sections suitable for routine histology and light microscopy, an ultramicrotome is designed specifically to create ultrathin sections, down to the nanometer scale, intended for a range of advanced microscopy techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The ultramicrotome utilizes a glass or diamond knife and requires the specimens to hardened for precision and stability during sectioning. Hardening can be achieved through freezing and/or embedding in resin and is essential for achieving the high-resolution imaging necessary to study intricate subcellular structures in detail. 

To transfer ultrathin sections from an ultramicrotome to a grid for electron microscopy, the following steps should be followed: 

1. Prepare grids: ensure your TEM grids are clean, and glow-discharged for hydrophilicity if needed.
2. Section collection: allow the ultrathin sections to float on water to ensure they are kept intact.
3. Grid placement: gently dip your TEM grid in the water and pick up the sections from below.
4. Grid lifting: carefully lift the grid with forceps, ensuring the sections adhere to the grid.
5. Examine and store: check sections under a light microscope, and if needed, store the grids appropriately.