Techniques
1. Sample preparation techniques:

• Sample fixation and embedding at room temperature: conventional technique
• Cryofixation: high pressure, propane or ethane immersion
• Freeze-substitution and cryo-embedding
• Ultramicrotomy: semithin and ultrathin, all types of resins
• Cryo-sectioning: cryo-preparation and cryo-slicing
• Vitreous cryo-sectioning

2. Staining and labeling techniques:

• Negative and contrast staining
• Immunolabeling

3. Observation and analysis techniques:

• Room-temperature transmission electron microscopy (100 kV-120 kV)
• Cryo-Electron Microscopy (200 kV FEG)
• Electron tomography and cryotomography (+70º/-70º single axis)
• Three-dimensional reconstruction of tilt series

4. Optical microscopy techniques

• Paraffin embedding
• Paraffin microtomy

Range of services

• Conventional ultrastructure studies of simple cells and tissues
• Conventional ultrastructure studies of isolated particles, isolated organelles or small organisms
• High ultrastructural preservation of cells, tissues, particle samples and small organisms by means of slicing; various degrees of preservation and visualization
• Study of the organization of intramembrane particles
• Topographic and/or interior nanometric characterization of lipo/lipoprotein compounds, proteins, proteins assemblies, membranes and biomaterials
• Molecular recognition or in situ localization at the subcellular level of proteins, nucleic acids and other macromolecules
• Quantitative studies of measurements or labelling on the nanometric scale
• Basic preparation for transmission optical microscopy

Examples of application

• 3D study of the structure of proteins and macromolecular complexes
• 3D study of cell structures
• Characterization of liposomes, micelles, bicelles and other lipoprotein particles; effect of surfactants; interaction of surfactants with biological material as vehicles for drug delivery
• Study of nanoparticles with peptides, proteins, etc. and their possible entry into tumour cells or through the skin, mucous membranes, haemato-encephalitic barrier, etc.
• Study of functionalized cells or biomolecules on nanostructured substrates
• 3D studies of proteins of pharmacological interest as drug targets
• Characterization of peptide hydrogels
• Ultrastructural study of biological disease models, for example, the malaria parasite infecting the red blood cell or structural changes in tumour cells
• Study of ultrastructural changes in cells caused by drug trials or genetic modifications of different types

Equipment

• Spirit TWIN (FEI) 120 kV LaB6 Tecnai TEM cryomicroscope with Megaview 1kx1k CCD and tomography
• Tecnai G2 F20 (FEI) 200 kV FEG TEM cryomicroscope with Eagle 4kx4k CCD and tomography
• Jeol JEM 1010 100 kV TEM microscope with Megaview 1kx1k CCD
• Leica UC6/FC6 cryoultramicrotome with cryosphere
• Leica UC7/FC7 cryoultramicrotome
• Ultracut E ultramicrotome
• Vitrobot Mark III (FEI) immersion cryofixation/vitrification
• Leica HPM100 cryofixation/vitrification
• Leica AFS2 freeze-substitution
• In situ laboratory: paraffin microtome, optical microscope and accessories