Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026

09:21
Mitochondria and Endoplasmic Reticulum Imaging by Correlative Light and Volume Electron Microscopy
Published on: July 20, 2019
Challenges in applying photoemission electron microscopy to biological systems
1Department of Chemistry, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
Photochemistry and Photobiology
|December 17, 2008
Summary
Photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) offers high-resolution surface imaging. This article addresses key challenges and opportunities for applying PEEM to biological samples, aiming to advance its use in life sciences.
Area of Science:
- Surface Science
- Materials Science
- Biological Imaging
Background:
- Photoemission electron microscopy (PEEM) is a surface-sensitive imaging technique.
- PEEM excels at real-time, high-resolution imaging of surfaces and their responses to changing parameters.
- Biological applications of PEEM saw early interest but have not been extensively developed since the 1970s.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and address critical issues in the acquisition and analysis of biological samples using PEEM.
- To review the biological impact and significance of PEEM.
- To discuss current challenges hindering the full potential of PEEM in biological research.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing PEEM methodologies for biological samples.
- Identification of technical challenges in biological sample preparation and imaging.
- Analysis of data acquisition and interpretation specific to biological systems.
Main Results:
- PEEM provides unique insights into biological systems beyond conventional imaging.
- Specific issues affecting biological sample analysis with PEEM were identified.
- The potential of PEEM for biological research is significant but requires further development.
Conclusions:
- Overcoming current challenges is crucial for unlocking PEEM's full potential in biological sciences.
- Further advancements in PEEM techniques are needed for robust biological applications.
- PEEM offers a promising avenue for high-resolution biological surface and dynamic studies.
Related Concept Videos
Cryo-electron Microscopy
Conventional electron microscopy (EM) involves dehydration, fixation, and staining of biological samples, which distorts the native state of biological molecules and results in several artifacts. Also, the high-energy electron beam damages the sample and makes it difficult to obtain high-resolution images. These issues can be addressed using cryo-EM, which uses frozen samples and gentler electron beams. The technique was developed by Jacques Dubochet, Joachim Frank, and Richard Henderson, for...
Overview of Electron Microscopy
The wavelengths of visible light ultimately limit the maximum theoretical resolution of images created by light microscopes. Most light microscopes can only magnify 1000X, and a few can magnify up to 1500X. Electrons, like electromagnetic radiation, can behave like waves, but with wavelengths of 0.005 nm, they produce significantly greater resolution up to 0.05 nm as compared to 500 nm for visible light. An electron microscope (EM) can create a sharp image that is magnified up to 2,000,000X.
Scanning Electron Microscopy
A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is used to study the surface features of a sample by using an electron beam that scans the sample surface in a two-dimensional manner. Typically, areas between ~1 centimeter to 5 micrometers in width can be imaged. SEM can be used to image bacteria, viruses, tissues as well as larger samples like insects. Conventional SEM gives a magnification ranging from 20X to 30,000X and spatial resolution of 50 to 100 nanometers.
Fundamental Principles
Accelerated...
Fundamental Principles
Accelerated...
Immunogold Electron Microscopy
Immunoelectron microscopy utilizes immunogold labeling of endogenous proteins with specific antibodies to detect and localize these proteins in cells and tissues. The procedure provides insights into the distribution and quantification of protein under different stimulation conditions offering clues about their functions. Conjugating highly electron-dense gold particles with primary or secondary antibodies allow antigen detection on and within cells, with high resolution and specificity.
Two-Dimensional Microscopy in Microbiology
Two-dimensional (2D) microscopy encompasses a range of optical techniques that capture images within a single focal plane, offering detailed representations of microscopic structures. These techniques are essential in biological and medical research, enabling the visualization of cellular and subcellular structures with different levels of contrast and specificity.There are several major types of 2D microscopy, each with strengths and applications.Bright-Field MicroscopyBright-field microscopy...
Electron Microscope Tomography and Single-particle Reconstruction
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) can be used to determine the 3D structure of biological samples with the help of techniques such as electron microscope tomography and single-particle reconstruction. While single-particle reconstruction can examine macromolecules and macromolecular complexes in vitro conditions only, tomography permits the study of cell components or small cells in vivo.
Electron Tomography
Electron tomography can be performed either in TEM or STEM (scanning transmission...
Electron Tomography
Electron tomography can be performed either in TEM or STEM (scanning transmission...

