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Updated: Jan 21, 2026
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Analysis of Brain Mitochondria Using Serial Block-Face Scanning Electron Microscopy
Published on: July 9, 2016
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Serial-section electron microscopy using automated tape-collecting ultramicrotome (ATUM)
Valentina Baena1, Richard Lee Schalek2, Jeff William Lichtman2
1Deparment of Cell Biology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, United States.
Methods in Cell Biology
|July 22, 2019
Summary
The Automated Tape-Collecting Ultramicrotome (ATUM) collects thousands of serial tissue sections for electron microscopy. This method is ideal for large-scale connectomics and smaller biological studies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Microscopy
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Serial section electron microscopy is crucial for reconstructing neural circuits.
- Current methods can be labor-intensive and challenging for large datasets.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the procedures for using the Automated Tape-Collecting Ultramicrotome (ATUM) for serial section collection.
- To provide guidance on sample preparation, ATUM handling, and data processing.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing an Automated Tape-Collecting Ultramicrotome (ATUM) integrated with a diamond knife.
- Collecting thousands of serial sections on tape for scanning electron microscopy.
- Describing block preparation, ATUM operation, tape handling, and post-section treatment.
Main Results:
- The ATUM system enables efficient collection of numerous serial sections of varying shapes and sizes.
- Demonstrated applicability for large-scale connectomics (e.g., mouse brain) and smaller biological investigations.
- Established procedures for mapping, imaging, and aligning serial sections.
Conclusions:
- The ATUM is a versatile tool for high-throughput serial sectioning in electron microscopy.
- This method facilitates detailed structural analysis of biological samples at multiple scales.
- The described protocols support the application of ATUM in diverse research areas.
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