Services:

• Imaging and analysis of frozen biological samples in SEM (cryotransfer system, without the need for chemical preparation),
• X-ray analysis of elements at selected points on the sample surface (in SEM+EDS- energy dispersive X-ray analysis),
• imaging of the microbial ultrastructure in TEM, imaging of the tissue and cell ultrastructure in SEM,
• analysis of the elemental composition in samples and analysis of the distribution of specific elements in samples (TEM+EELS - electron energy loss spectroscopy),
• imaging of the phase distribution of the surface of preparations showing the distribution into individual crystalline phases and the spatial arrangement of crystals in the phases (SEM+EBSD),
• imaging of surface structures, defects, changes induced by chemical and physical agents (implants, fillings, etc.) and differences in the structure of biological samples and solid and liquid materials,
• imaging and documentation of lesions and changes in the ultrastructure of cells, tissues and organs.

Equipment:

1). Microscopes:

• The ZEISS Ultra Plus field emission scanning electron microscope (SEM) is an advanced scanning microscope for biological, biomedical, chemical and material research. The microscope is equipped with 4 imaging detectors (two of which facilitate observation of structural changes), a chemical detector EDS (X-ray analysis), a structural detector EBSD (X-ray diffraction) and a cryotransfer system allowing observation of the surfaces and fractures of biological preparations, as well as liquid substances without prior preparation. In addition, the microscope is equipped with a charge compensation system, making it possible to observe undusted samples.
• The ZEISS Libra 120 medium energy transmission electron microscope is an advanced microscope for biological, biomedical, chemical and materials research. It is equipped with an energy filter and an EELS (electron energy loss spectroscopy) system for chemical analysis and mapping of the distribution of elements in the preparation. The operating energy of the microscope is 80 keV and 120 keV, with a maximum magnification of 1000000x and a resolution of 0, 34 nm.
• The ZEISS Axio Observer Z1 inverted confocal microscope LSM 700 is used for transmitted light and epifluorescence and Nomarsky contrast (DIC) studies. The miscroscope is fully automated. Its purpose is study of tissues and observation of intracellular processes in live cell cultures, intercellular interactions, microinjections, etc.

2). Apparatus for the preparation of slides:

• an automated preparation system (Thermo Scientific, STP 120 Spin Tissue Processor),
• systems for drying preparations (Polaron, Critical Point Drier 7501),
• a system for embedding preparations (Thermo Scientific, EC 350),
• systems for staining slides (Thermo Scientific, HMS 740),
• material cutting systems: a cryostat (ZEISS, HYRAX C25), a microtome (HM 355S, Thermo Scientific), and an ultramicrotome (Power Tome XL, RMC),
• sputtering systems for carbon, gold with palladium and chromium (classical and high resolution apparatus) (Emitech, Sputter Coater SC7620, Carbon Accessory CA 7025, Emitech K575X).
• a cryo system for the scanning microscope (Polaron).