The IBEC Microscopy Characterization space was born as a service belonging to the Core Facilities, with the mission of supporting microscopy in our institute, although currently also offers service to external users. In this way, we not only have optical microscopy instruments, for those users who do not have the basic infrastructure at their workstations, but also a powerful electron microscopy service, with specialized techniques and equipment, to prepare biological samples, which must be inspected at high resolution and high vacuum conditions.

In our Facilities, IBEC researchers and also external clients (public and private) can acquire images and analyse structures, ranging from single molecules at the nanoscale, to living cells.

Services Available:

• Training in techniques, equipment and processes of Optical and Electronic Microscopy for autonomous use (self-user mode).
• Customized Optical and Electron Microscopy Services, conducted by scientific personnel (order mode with previous quotation).
• Confocal and fluorescence samples characterization.
• Morphological and topographic characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM):
  • High vacuum mode (conductive samples).
  • Low vacuum mode (environmental SEM for insulating samples, or not compatible with high vacuum).
• Combined topographic (SEM) and fluorescence (Confocal) samples characterization.
• SEM sample preparation:
  • Chemical fixation service for biological samples.
  • Critical point dehydration service.
  • Gold plating service for high resolution inspection of insulating samples.