Electron Microscopy (EM) Preparative Equipment

Leica EM UC7 Ultramicrotome

As the most recent model, this ultramicrotome provides not only 1-2 um thick semi-thin section of biological specimens (cell monolayer, cell pellet, and tissue sample) for immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry, but also 50-90 nm thick ultra-thin section for conventional or immuno-TEM using a glass knife or diamond knife at room temperature.

Leica EM FC7 Cryo-attachment

This cryo-attachment can be attached to the UC7 ulatramicrotome (see above) for cryo-sectioning of biological specimens (cell pellet or tissue sample) embedded with gelatin and cryo-protected with sucrose. Cryo-section can then be labeled with multiple antibodies and detected with secondary antibodies conjugated to different sized gold particles (immuno-TEM using Tokuyasu technique).

Leica EM CPC

This cryo-preparation chamber is used to prepare biological specimens (virus, cell, and tissue samples) for plunge freezing into either propane or ethane. Roughly ~30 um of the specimen in depth becomes vitreous ice once it is fixed in liquid propane or ethane followed by the cryo-fixed sample can be observed using our Hitachi H-7650 TEM with a Gatan cryo-holder.

Leica EM ACE600 Sputter Coater

This high vacuum film deposition system is designed to generate fine-grained metal and nanometer-thin carbon coating for high-resolution SEM and TEM applications. This instrument is configured with: Sputtering source, evaporation source, and glow discharge for surface hydrophilization. The optimal coating is ensured with an automatic tilting/rotating stage.

Leica EM TP Tissue Processor

This machine is an automated tissue processor for EM and LM sample preparation. By reducing about 75% of manual handling of sample preparation it eliminates inconsistencies and ensures reproducibility. An entire protocol can be programmed, saved, and reloaded through its intuitive software. All the experimental reagents, duration of the run, and environmental setting are programmable. It also allows for the process of different tissue types in one run that helps in saving time.