Cryo FEGSEM is very useful for studying cellular and structural biology. This method allows research with sub nanometre resolution imaging at very low operating voltage.  This protects sensitive samples while also maintaining the contrast and spatial resolution essential to understanding the key functions and processes of organelles.

We support the complete specialist workflow necessary to support high resolution cutting-edge cryo FEGSEM. This allows direct investigation of membrane structure, subcellular organisation and cell-cell dynamics.

Modern FEGSEM systems (with improved detector sensitivity and signal-to-noise) now achieve sub-nm resolution at 1 kV, making them highly capable tools for life science research, particularly when combined with high-resolution coating and fracture techniques.

Cryo FEGSEM advantages:

  • direct observation of biological structures in their native, cellular context with topographic information at the nanometer-scale
  • no loss of ions/ molecules and direct observation of lipids
  • maintains membrane permeability and organisation
  • no osmotic effects
Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocyte
Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocyte
Examples of use

This technique is useful for the study of:

  • lung tissue surfactants (components, distribution within alveoli, etc)
  • membrane bilayers and protein distributions on membranes in Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocytes
Equipment available
Images
Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocyte
Plasmodium falciparum infected erythrocyte

Cryo FEGSEM is used to study membrane changes, pore formation and ultrastructural development of the malarial parasite in the blood stages of the its life cycle. (In collaboration with Saibil, Birkbeck and Blackman, Crick)

Ultrastuctural organisation of unicellular protists
Ultrastuctural organisation of unicellular protists

A) a symbiotic relationship between the alga chlorella and its protozoan host, B) Golgi apparatus and nuclear pore organisation in a euglenoid, C and E) organisation of a diatom, D) molecular motors in the flagella of a euglenoid.

Cells in the gut of drosophila
Cells in the gut of drosophila

Cross fracture of a cell in the gut of a drosophila embryo highlighting nuclear pore organisation, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and Golgi apparatus.