How to Prepare Biological Samples and Live Tissues for Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)

Abstract

In this article we review the application and procedures involved in scanning electron microscope (SEM) to observe biological and live tissues through using SEM at high resolution. We discuss practical methods for optimizing tissue preservation to achieve the two principal goals of biological specimen preparation: (a) preserving biological structures as close to their living configuration as possible, and (b) rendering them visible with the desired imaging method. We also review and discuss the relative merits of different fixing (chemical fixation and cryofixation), drying (air-drying, critical point-drying, freeze-drying and chemical-drying) and coating procedures of biological specimens with metals to facilitate visualization in the SEM.

Un método rápido y efectivo para preparar hormigas para microscopía electrónica de barrido

“…In this experiment some specimens of Linepithema, Forelius and Azteca did show slight deformations in at least one gastral tergite, while each of the Tapinoma ants examined here did not exhibit deformations and the gaster remains very inflated and turgid. The shrinkage or deformation in the gaster of these dolichoderine ants could be derived from an incomplete dehydration process prior to treatment with TMS; all the samples, however, were preserved with Ethanol (ranging from 80-90 %) which is a chemical agent with the ability to remove water from the sample and preserve the original structure of the biological sample (Mehdizadeh et al, 2014). Likewise, the preservation time of the samples could have influenced the results; although the preservation time was different between samples (see Material and Methods), the results seem not to be influenced by this factor, since samples with a few hours (T. melanocephalum) or months (L. piliferum) of preservation did not show any damage to the gaster.…”

New penta‐Coordinated Cadmium(II) Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, Thermal, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Cytotoxicity Properties

“…Preparation of the sample tissues for SEM imaging includes fixation with alcohols, glutaraldehyde or formaldehyde, dehydration with ethanol, methanol or acetone and drying. Samples should be mounted on holders that are specific to the SEM device [22] . Most of the sample holders are made of brass or aluminum.…”

“…Samples should be mounted on holders that are specific to the SEM device. [22] Most of the sample holders are made of brass or aluminum. Aluminum holder was used in this research.…”

Effect of Cold Plasma Voltage and Treatment Duration on the Microstructure and Hydrophilicity of Mushroom Grain Spawn

“…The surface morphology and microstructure of the treated and untreated mushroom grain spawns were analysed by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) The samples were prepared accordingly as described by Mehdizadeh-Kashi A et al 21) for biological samples. A Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR) analysis was carried out to determine the main chemical groups present in the mycelium structure and its changes after cold plasma treatment.…”