Mikroskopie

Global cellular organization shapes and constrains organ function; alterations in cellular networks are of high diagnostic and prognostic value. Therefore, we plan to establish a quantitative framework to capture, analyze and compare the organization of organs using light and electron microscopy. To this aim we have initiated the following Service Pilots: Quantitative Semi-Automated EM, which aims at automating the time-consuming task of manual data acquisition in electron microscopy, and Large High-resolution Scans, 3D Whole Embryo Reconstruction, and Towards Full Automation of Image Capture and Processing, which together pave the way for the establishment of a digital pathology platform. Please contact us if you want to learn more about these projects.

Sample preparation prior to imaging, and sample handling during image acquisition are important to obtaining true and reproducible results. Post-mortem changes in tissues during EM sample preparation, issue related to antibody staining, artifact produced by the use of aggregating genetically encoded fluorophores and cellular stress, induced during in vivo imaging, are frequent causes of misleading or non-reproducible results. Thus, some workflows, such as the embedding of samples for electron microscopy are at current primarily offered as full service. For critical parts of the sample preparation pipeline performed by the scientist, such as perfusion prior to EM embedding, and for keeping tissues alive during in vivo imaging, reliable protocols and detailed instructions on how to quality control the experiment are provided. For all quantitative biology projects, the entire workflow will be planned jointly. Instruments: Leica EM TP (tissue processor), Leica EM TRIM2 (milling system), Reichert Jung Ultracut E (ultramicrotome), environmental chambers at all confocal imaging systems.

We provide full service and in-depth practical training in transmission electron microscopy. We recently developed a workflow that allows for capturing large regions of interest semi-automatically. Service Pipelines: Negative Stain & Qualitative cellular EM Service Pilot: Quantitative Cellular EM, Semi-Automated & Adaptive Feedback EM* (*only in collaboration) Instruments: JEOL JEM 1400 Plus (120 keV electron microscope)

We regularly assure the quality of our instruments and services and improve our application workflows continuously. Quality management is for us a mindset that guides all our actions. Please contact us personally, if you want to learn more about our procedures and tools, or if your project requires certification according to a certain norm.

Example of results of quality checks performed to control the performance of our instruments. (A) A pattern of gradually spaced lines is scanned to asses the lateral resolving power. (B) A normalized homogeneity map used to quantify illumination inhomogeneity.