Volume electron microscopy

Unveil the architecture of cells and tissues

Unlock the potential of volume electron microscopy with higher throughput. Produce 3D data by imaging many subsequent sections of a sample with ease.

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What we can help you to achieve
  • Resolve the intricate structures of organelles, cells and tissues at nanometer-range resolution
  • Map the interactions between neurons in the brain
  • Image larger volumes significantly faster
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Understand the ultrastructural details of biological processes and functions with EM

Three-dimensional electron microscopy or volume EM is a powerful method for understanding the architecture of tissues or organisms. This technique allows answering research questions in the fields of cell biology and neurobiology. Its high resolution is indispensable for visualization of the nanoscale details that define individual cells. Moreover, the ability to resolve the intricate structures of neurons at nanometer-range resolution is very useful for the field of connectomics which studies interactions between neurons in the brain.

To produce 3D data many subsequent sections of a sample need to be imaged and then reconstructed into a 3D representation for analysis. With increased throughput of faster electron microscopy, larger volumes can be imaged within a smaller amount of time. This opens the way to ever larger projects, such as imaging an entire hemisphere or even entire brains for connectomics. At the same time, high-throughput imaging enables comparative studies, which were previously too time-consuming to be feasible.

What can you achieve with Fast EM Imaging?

Most SEM techniques used for the collection of 3D datasets are challenging and require significant experience to reach their full potential. Unlike traditional SEMs, FAST-EM has a high level of automation which enables volume EM workflows with minimal operator supervision. Volumes of interest are rapidly collected, which enables neuronal tracing over large distances and a better understanding of cellular interactions in the brain and other tissues.

  • Collect 3D EM datasets quickly
  • Acquire data with minimal operator supervision
  • Larger volumes of data within the same time
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Rat kidney in Durcupan ACM, OTO stained. 4 nm pixel size (6400*6400px), field of view 25.6*25.6 μm. Samples courtesy of Cell Microscopy Core, UMC Utrecht
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With FAST-EM, we can go to larger volumes. For instance, it could be used for a full model animal brain to map out all the neurons' connections.

Dr. Jacob Hoogenboom

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Faculty of Applied Sciences, TU Delft

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Choose the right product for your research

With out Fast Imaging solutions we aim to provide a stable, automated workflow based around minimal operator intervention.

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