External services
Electron microscopy
Service presentation
The Electron Microscopy Service is available for sample observation using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and for microanalysis by Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS).
It has the necessary equipment for sample preparation and offers advice to users on both sample preparation and the use of different equipment.
Applications
SEM observation offers a wide range of possibilities:
- Structure and ultrastructure of animal and plant structures and organs.
- Identification of mineral composition, synthetic substances, antibiotics, etc.
- Texture of organic-origin spicules as well as minerals.
- Studies on metal and alloy corrosion.
- Others, such as biodeterioration of artworks or forensic studies.
Additionally, elemental microanalysis makes it possible to determine the chemical elements present in different parts of a sample.
Currently, the service is primarily used in the field of taxonomy for observing relevant identifying characters of different organism groups (sponges, polychaetes, macroinvertebrates, etc.). It is also used for other studies related to symbiosis and parasitism.
Information for users
Internal staff, whether from the centre or temporarily attached to it, also have access to the other laboratories (without associated service).
Contact
The responsible technician will provide you with the necessary information on service conditions, fees and other specifications.
Techniques
Biological samples observed in SEM are typically preserved by freezing or fixing substances (formaldehyde, alcohol, etc.) and can have a maximum size of 70 mm in diameter and 50 mm in thickness. They can be observed in medium-vacuum mode if not dehydrated, or in total vacuum mode if completely dehydrated. Dehydration involves a laboratory treatment with hexamethyldisilazane, which completely removes water.
The service also offers:
- Sputtering for shading samples with gold powder for better visualisation.
- X-ray Microanalyzer with EDS spectrometer for analysing sample chemical composition.
Equipment and features
HITACHI-TECH Scanning Electron Microscope, model TM3000 TABLETOP
Magnifications: 15-30,000x (2x, 4x digital zoom). Acceleration voltage: 5Kv-15Kv-Analysis. Observation mode: standard or with charge reduction. Maximum sample size: 70 mm (diameter). Maximum sample thickness: 50 mm. Image shift: +/- 50 um (15 kV mode: D = 4.5 mm). Frequency: 50/60 Hz. Digital image resolution up to 1280 x 960 pixels. HAN cooling sample holder (up to -25°C). 3D Image Viewer.
X-ray Microanalyzer, BRUKER
Software: QUANTAX70. EDS spectrometer. Qualitative and quantitative analysis.
Sample preparation equipment
Sputtering, QUORUM TECHNOLOGIES Q150R/S/E/ES
