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Electron microscopy (TEM/SEM)

Techniques

  • Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
    • Fixation methods for biological samples: chemical and/or cryofixation
    • Dehydration and cryosubstitution techniques
    • Embedding and cryoembedding
    • Ultramicrotomy and cryoultramicrotomy techniques
    • Negative staining techniques for suspensions
  • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
    • Fixation methods for biological samples: chemical and/or cryofixation
    • Dehydration and cryosubstitution techniques
    • Critical point drying of samples and other chemical agents
    • Different types of assembly according to sample type
  • Optical microscopy
    • Semithin sections (0.5 – 3 μm) and specific stains
  • Molecular localization techniques
    • Immunolocalization techniques (markers: nanogold, gold, quantum dots, silver etc.)
    • Lectin techniques (localization of sugar residues)
    • Correlative techniques (Observation of the same sample with electronic and optical microscopes)

Range of services

  • Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)
    • Ultrastructural, tissue, cellular and molecular studies
    • Studies of bacterial, viral, bacteriophagic and nitrogen suspensions, etc.
    • Ultrastructural studies of isolated cell organelles, mitochondrial pellets and chloroplasts
    • Whole-mount studies of cells and bacteria, etc.
    • Molecular localization and co-localization of proteins, glucidic residues, etc.
    • Cytochemical studies (Enzyme activity, digestion, etc.)
    • Optical microscope studies with semithin sections of samples enclosed in resin
  • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM)
    • Microstructural analysis of cell cultures, tissues and organs with 3-D imaging
    • Study of cell suspensions
    • Surface studies: bone, teeth, corneas skin, etc.
    • Study of biofilms and their formation on different surfaces
    • Morphological studies of small organisms and microorganisms
    • Molecular localization.
    • Study of biomaterials, implants, etc.
    • Study, analysis and evaluation of images obtained

Examples of application

  • Study of cell cultures and tissues
  • Study of fungal pathogens on plants
  • Study of the incorporation of markers inside cells
  • Study of human spermatozoa
  • Studies of biofilms on water filters and cultures, tracheal tubes, historic moments, etc.
  • Surface studies: prostheses removed from patients, presence of sperm on tissue
  • TEM localization of nanogold in different tissues absorbed via inhalation in live rats
  • Study of nanogold in textiles
  • Study of bacteriophagic contamination in the bacterial production of lactose
  • Study of protein aggregation in Alzheimer patients
  • Clinical biopsy processing

Equipment

  • Transmission electron microscope (TEM)
    • Bioscan Gatan JEOL 1010 + transmission electron microscope
    • Leica EM PACT high pressure cryofixation system
    • Leica EMAFS cryofixation systems        
    • Reichert-Jung Ultracut E and Ultracut ultramicrotomes
    • Leica Ultracut UCT ultramicrotome with Leica EMFCS cryoultramicrotomy unit
  • Scanning electron microscope (SEM)
    • Zeiss DSM 940 A digital scanning electron microscope
    • Polaron critical point dryer
    • Fisons Coating System SEM
Dr Carmen López Iglesias
Contact person
934 034 658
Access Procedures

Any person applying for the first time for any services by CCiTUB must enter as a new user. For this purpose it is necessary to fill in an application form which can be downloaded from http://www.ccit.ub.edu/EN/m4.html. The form must be sent to

Assurance of quality

ISO 9001:2008. The CCiTUB have well-established a system of management of the quality based on the ISO norm 9001, which also satisfies the Good Manufacturing Practice requirements (GMP).

  

Recognition by the Food and Drug Administration as a contract laboratory to perform drug tests.

Acknowledged laboratory Register of Agroalimentary Laboratories of Catalonia.