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Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscopy SBF-SEM of Biological Tissue Samples
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Atmospheric scanning electron microscopy and its applications for biological specimens
Dae Jin Kang1, Se Jeong Lee1, Ji Eun Na1
1Department of Anatomy, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
Microscopy Research and Technique
|December 22, 2018
Summary
Ambient condition scanning electron microscopy (Air-SEM) shows potential for analyzing biological tissues like brain and kidney without heavy metal staining. Further improvements are needed for routine biomedical research use.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Microscopy Techniques
- Materials Science
Background:
- Ambient condition scanning electron microscopy (Air-SEM) is a recent technique primarily used in industrial applications.
- Its potential for analyzing biological tissues has not been extensively explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the applicability of Air-SEM for observing biological tissues, including rat brain, kidney, human tooth, and bone.
- To evaluate the quality of Air-SEM images compared to conventional electron microscopy methods.
Main Methods:
- Biological samples (rat brain, kidney, human tooth, bone) were prepared using grinding or frozen sectioning.
- Observations were conducted using Air-SEM, with and without heavy metal staining.
- Correlative light and electron microscopy was performed on zebrafish embryos.
Main Results:
- Air-SEM successfully visualized basic cytoarchitecture of bone and tooth without heavy metal staining.
- Kidney tissue images were comparable to field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), revealing podocyte foot processes.
- Neuronal structures and synapses were clearly observed, comparable to transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Conclusions:
- Air-SEM demonstrates potential for analyzing various biological tissues, offering insights into cellular structures without extensive sample preparation.
- While promising, image quality requires enhancement for widespread adoption in biomedical research.
- The technique shows potential for correlative microscopy approaches in developmental biology.
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