Sample Preparation

SEM - Sample Preparation and Coating

Samples often require preparation prior to viewing in the various microscopes, for SEM and TEM this means the sample in most cases must be dried (for biological samples often using the dehydration protocols and the Critical Point Dryer) and electrically conductive.

The exception is the Quanta 450 ESEM, in which samples can be viewed uncoated and can be hydrated (wet) samples, cryo techniques on the SEM can also be used to preserve the structure of the sample in its natural state.

Most samples must be coated prior to SEM in increased conductivity for the electron beam (usually with a thin layer of carbon or platinum). We recommend you discuss your options with an Adelaide Microscopy  staff member first and then once your samples have been prepared and individually labelled drop them off at Adelaide Microscopy for coating at least 3 days prior to your booking.

TEM - Sample Preparation

TEM samples must be fixed (if biological) and chemically processed prior to viewing in the microscope.  There are many types of sample preparation techniques for TEM which can include ultramicrotomy of dehydrated embedded samples, solutions can be dried on a TEM grid which has a thin film support holding the sample, FIB or milling of a thin sample etc. but it depends on your sample and what you want to investigate.

Sample Preparation Equipment for SEM/TEM and Software packages:

Optical Microscopes

TOUSIMIS 931 Critical Point Dryer

CRESSINGTON 208 High Resolution Sputter Coater

QUORUM Q150 TE carbon coater

PELCO Biowave Microwave Processing System

CRESSINGTON CFE50 Freeze Fracture Unit Freeze-Substitution and Low-Temperature Embedding

LEICA AFS Automated Freeze Substitute Unit

LEICA Ultracut S with FCS Cryo-attachment Cryo-microtomy

LEICA Ultracut E

LEICA LYNX Automatic EM Tissue Processor Immunogold Labelling

LEICA EM CPC Cryopress Slam-freezer