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Preparation of microbiological specimens for scanning electron microscopy
Scanning Electron Microscopy
|January 1, 1980
Summary
This tutorial details processing techniques for microorganisms using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It covers general requirements and specific methods for various sample types, aiding researchers in SEM sample preparation.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Microscopy
Background:
- Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) requires specific sample preparation techniques for microorganisms.
- Effective preparation is crucial for visualizing microbial ultrastructure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive tutorial on processing microorganisms for SEM.
- To outline general requirements and specific techniques for diverse microbial samples.
Main Methods:
- Discusses key steps: specimen selection, fixation, dehydration, drying (critical-point and freeze-drying), coating, and viewing.
- Details methods for processing microorganisms in suspension, tissues, tissue culture, and on agar.
Main Results:
- Illustrates techniques with examples from bacteria, mycoplasmas, rickettsiae, fungi, and protozoa.
- Demonstrates the application of various processing steps to different microbial forms.
Conclusions:
- Offers a flexible framework for SEM sample preparation of microorganisms.
- Emphasizes that preparation techniques can be adapted based on study objectives.