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Related Concept Videos

Preparation of Samples for Electron Microscopy01:20

Preparation of Samples for Electron Microscopy

To be visualized by an electron microscope, either transmission or scanning, biological samples need to be fixed (stabilized) so the electron beam does not destroy them and dried thoroughly (desiccated/dehydrated) so the vacuum does not affect them. Fixation needs to be done as quickly as possible because the sample properties will start changing as soon as it is removed from its natural environment. For example, in a tissue sample, the oxygen levels begin decreasing, causing an altered...

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STEM mode in the SEM: a practical tool for nanotoxicology.

Nicole Hondow1, John Harrington, Rik Brydson

  • 1Institute for Materials Research, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK. N.Hondow@leeds.ac.uk

Nanotoxicology
|November 25, 2010
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Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) in a scanning electron microscope (SEM) effectively analyzes nanomaterial-cell interactions for toxicology. This cost-effective method aids nanotoxicology research by identifying interactions and excluding artifacts.

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Area of Science:

  • Materials Science
  • Cell Biology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Electron microscopy is crucial for understanding nanomaterial-cell interactions.
  • Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) can be enhanced with a transmitted electron detector.
  • This allows for combined bright/dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and secondary electron imaging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the utility of SEM-STEM for nanotoxicology research.
  • To analyze the interaction of cells with various nanomaterials in vitro.
  • To demonstrate the method's ability to identify artifacts from sample preparation.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a scanning electron microscope equipped with a transmitted electron detector.
  • Acquired simultaneous bright-field STEM, dark-field STEM, and in-lens secondary electron images.
  • Applied the technique to ultrathin cell sections exposed to iron oxide nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and cadmium selenide quantum dots.

Main Results:

  • Combined STEM and secondary electron imaging provided detailed analysis of nanomaterial-cell interactions.
  • STEM mode effectively identified and excluded artifacts from ultramicrotome sectioning.
  • The technique proved practical for analyzing diverse nanomaterial systems.

Conclusions:

  • SEM-STEM is a simple, practical, and cost-effective tool for nanotoxicological research.
  • This imaging approach facilitates accurate elucidation of nanomaterial-cell interactions.
  • The method aids in reliable assessment of nanomaterial safety and effects.