Ultrathin Sections of Resin Embedded Samples for TEM: This is the most commonly used approach to obtaining ultrastructural details of cells and tissues.
New In 2008 Immunogold labeling – Pre-embedding method -- TEM TEM of immunogold labeled cells prepared by the pre-embedding method.  CEACAM1 is seen associated with endoplasmic reticulum.
New In 2008 Immunogold labeling – Pre-embedding method -- SEM SEM of immunogold labeled cells prepared by the pre-embedding method.  Here CEACAM1 is seen associated with microvilli on the cell surface.
Negative Staining: A simple two minute method for visualizing viruses, bacteria, isolated cellular organelles, and, in this case, nanotubes using heavy metal stains.
Shadow Replicas: Shadow replicas are a good method for high resolution viewing of surface details on cells and other objects.
Visualization of Nucleic Acids: A standard procedure for imaging nucleic involves spreading on aqueous surface followed by rotary shadowing.
SEM of Critical Point-Dried and hydrated Samples: This is an excellent method for viewing surface details of cells and tissues, and other objects as well.
Ultrathin Sections for Light Microscopy: One micron sections of resin embedded or frozen hydrated samples can be obtained with the Leica ultramicrotome.  These “subcellular” sections are useful for investigations via light microscopy and can be used in conjunction with EM to build 3-D images of complex multicellular structures.
New In 2008 Cryo-EM of samples frozen in vitreous ice New In 2008 Tomography and assistance with three-dimensional reconstructions

To discuss possible applications and use of the facility, contact Dr. Mariana Tihova at 626 301-8265 or Dr. Marcia Miller at 626 301-8264.  Assistance with experimental design and training will be provided as desired.

Turnaround time for TEM depends on method of sample preparation; 5-7 days for typical resin-embedded samples and 1 hr for negative staining.  SEM samples typically take 1 - 3 days.