Introduction of correlative light and airSEM™ microscopy imaging for tissue research under ambient conditions

Sci Rep. 2014 Aug 7:4:5987. doi: 10.1038/srep05987.

Abstract

A complete fingerprint of a tissue sample requires a detailed description of its cellular and extracellular components while minimizing artifacts. We introduce the application of a novel scanning electron microscope (airSEM™) in conjunction with light microscopy for functional analysis of tissue preparations at nanometric resolution (<10 nm) and under ambient conditions. Our metal-staining protocols enable easy and detailed visualization of tissues and their extracellular scaffolds. A multimodality imaging setup, featuring airSEM™ and a light microscope on the same platform, provides a convenient and easy-to-use system for obtaining structural and functional correlative data. The airSEM™ imaging station complements other existing imaging solutions and shows great potential for studies of complex biological systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Carbocyanines
  • Collagen Type I / isolation & purification
  • Collagen Type I / ultrastructure
  • Coloring Agents
  • Electron Microscope Tomography / instrumentation*
  • Electron Microscope Tomography / methods
  • Extracellular Matrix / ultrastructure
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / instrumentation*
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods
  • Lung / ultrastructure*
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / instrumentation*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / methods
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Rats
  • Ruthenium Red
  • Staining and Labeling / methods
  • Tail / chemistry

Substances

  • Carbocyanines
  • Collagen Type I
  • Coloring Agents
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • cyanine dye 3
  • Ruthenium Red
  • uranyl acetate