Microscopy & Microtechniques 35 Simplifying volume electron microscopy for cell biologists


The Thermo Scientific Hydra Bio Plasma-Focused Ion Beam (Plasma-FIB) is a cutting-edge instrument designed to streamline workflows for cell biologists engaged in volume electron microscopy, whether it involves cryo or resin-embedded samples.


Built upon the industry-standard Thermo Scientific Helios Hydra DualBeam platform, the Hydra Bio Plasma-FIB stands as a versatile, multi-application solution catering to volume electron microscopy and sample preparation in the cryo-electron tomography workflow. From studying tissues to delving into proteins, this instrument acts as a bridge, facilitating the transition from cryo-EM to room temperature analysis and vice versa. By offering this simplicity, it empowers cell biologists to channel more of their valuable time and effort into advancing intricate research projects.


With the Hydra Bio Plasma-FIB, researchers can explore a wide array of microscopy techniques, including FIB-SEM serial sectioning (both at room temperature and in cryogenic conditions), array tomography, and cryo-electron tomography. This flexibility empowers biomedical researchers to unravel the three-dimensional intricacies of cells, tissues, and small organisms at a remarkable nanometer resolution.


Users can seamlessly switch between four distinct ion species (Xe, Ar, O, and N) to optimise their approach according to the specific demands of each sample.


By employing the cryogenic mode, researchers can delve into cellular architecture in its native state, achieving exceptional contrast. This approach enables the exploration of sub-cellular intricacies in high-pressure-frozen and plunge-frozen samples, eliminating the need for staining.


The room temperature mode allows cell biologists can now gain insights into large sample areas and visualise areas of interest with the Spin Mill Bio Method. This innovative technique generates large area planar-milling results similar in size to microtome slicing, but with slice thicknesses as minimal as 5 nm. It facilitates the preparation of clean, smooth surfaces, which are then utilised for locating regions of interest and subsequent imaging in both 2D and 3D.


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/mV4q 61189pr@reply-direct.com


Advanced Raman imaging for wafer characterisation


Oxford Instruments WITec has introduced the alpha300 Semiconductor Edition, a specialised Raman microscope tailored for semiconductor research and development. Equipped with a large-area scanning stage, wafer chuck options, and an advanced workflaw manager, this edition is designed to enhance the efficiency of measurements.


In the highly competitive pursuit of understanding semiconductor properties, the alpha300 Semiconductor Edition utilises WITec’s technological expertise to support researchers in swiftly characterising chemical composition, crystal quality, strain, and doping on wafers of up to 300 mm (12 inches).


“We started with an alpha300, greatly expanded its scan range, and added software for intuitively defining and sequencing experiments,” said WITec Product Manager Thomas Dieing. “This produced an instrument that can examine the biggest wafers with the same precision and convenience as a sample on a microscope slide.”


The alpha300 Semiconductor Edition confocal Raman microscope includes active vibration damping, optical profilometer-driven focus stabilisation, and comprehensive automation for standardising measurement procedures and remote operation in controlled environments.


“This is the first of our Focus Editions, a line of pre-configured, application-centred systems that neatly package the benefits we can offer a particular industry,” said Harald Fischer, Marketing Director at WITec. “The alpha300 Semiconductor Edition is set up to hit the ground running with groups investigating large semiconductor wafers.”


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/yzDb 61626pr@reply-direct.com Innovative microscope for simultaneous FTIR and Raman spectroscopy


Shimadzu, a global leader in analytical instrumentation, introduces the ground-breaking AIRsight FTIR Raman microscope, the world’s first and only instrument capable of seamlessly performing both FTIR and Raman spectroscopy. This single, highly efficient instrument streamlines processes and offers diverse applications in industries such as chemical, electrical, electronic, machinery, transportation, and microplastics research.


The synergy of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy in a single instrument enhances the efficiency of analytical techniques. AIRsight, with its ability to acquire both spectra from the same position using an extremely small spot, delivers crucial complementary information for a comprehensive analysis.


Key features include the efficient gathering of data on both organic and inorganic substances, simultaneous acquisition of FTIR and Raman spectra without sample relocation, and seamless switching between measurement modes using the AMSolution control software. Equipped with Shimadzu’s proprietary wide-view camera, infrared microscope camera, and Raman-use objective lens, the AIRsight provides high-quality imaging and precise observations. The AMSolution control software further enables length measurements, particularly useful for analysing microplastic particles.


AIRsight marks a significant leap in analytical instrumentation, replacing the need for separate FTIR and Raman microscopes with an all-in-one solution. Shimadzu continues its commitment to delivering superior instruments, making processes faster, more compact, and user-friendly.


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/kANd 61631pr@reply-direct.com Super-resolution microscopy across diverse applications


Zeiss, a pioneer in microscopy solutions, is introducing an innovative addition to its product portfolio with the Zeiss Lattice SIM product family. This development aims to harness the complete potential of structured illumination microscopy (SIM), expanding the capabilities beyond the established super-resolution microscope, Zeiss Elyra 7.


Comprising two new members, Zeiss Lattice SIM 3 and Zeiss Lattice SIM 5, this product family uses structured illumination to overcome the physical resolution limitations of light microscopy. Each system is designed to cater to specific fields of application, broadening access to super-resolution imaging across diverse domains.


In contrast to conventional structured illumination methods, Zeiss Lattice SIM employs a lattice spot pattern, enhancing imaging speed, contrast, and minimising light exposure. This distinctive approach makes Lattice SIM particularly advantageous for live cell imaging. Additionally, the microscopes in the Zeiss Lattice SIM family integrate SIM Apotome technology, facilitating fast, high-resolution optical sectioning of larger samples such as cell culture models, organoids, and developing organisms. The innovative SIM² image reconstruction algorithm further doubles the SIM resolution.


Addressing unique application needs, Zeiss Lattice SIM 3 caters to multicellular organisms and tissue sections, excelling in fast optical sectioning with superior quality, large fields of view, near- isotropic resolution, and gentle super-resolution imaging. Zeiss Lattice SIM 5 is optimised for single-cell imaging, capturing subcellular structures and their rapid dynamics with outstanding super- resolution down to 60 nm in both living and fixed cells.


Zeiss Elyra 7 integrates various microscopy techniques such as Lattice SIM², SIM² Apotome, single-molecule localisation microscopy (SMLM), and total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF). This comprehensive approach allows users to combine techniques for deeper insights into specimens and correlation of acquired data, particularly focusing on SMLM for molecular-level resolution.


With the Zeiss Lattice SIM product family, researchers gain precision in addressing specific experimental requirements, balancing sample size, imaging speed, and super-resolution capabilities. These cutting-edge imaging tools open new avenues for discoveries in organoid research, cell biology, developmental biology, neuroscience, immunology, and pharmaceutical research.


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/RBlM 61819pr@reply-direct.com


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