Expertise
Imaging Platforms
Keywords - Light Microscopy: Confocal microscopy | Live cell imaging | Atomic Force Microscopy
Keywords - Electron Microscopy: Transmission EM | Scanning Transmission EM | Electron tomography | Scanning EM (Tungsten) | Scanning EM (FEG) | Focused Ion Beam SEM
ELECTRON MICROSCOPES:
• JEOL JEM2100 analytical TEM equipped with 11Mpx Gatan Orius in-line digital camera, STEM attachment and EDS system
• JEOL JEM1400 TEM equipped with 11Mpx AMT XR60 digital camera and automatic acquisition by SerialEM program
• JEOL JEM1010 TEM equipped with 3.2Mpx AMT XR40 digital camera
• Tescan CLARA FEG SEM equipped with EDS, WDS and EBSD systems. Low vacuum imaging mode is also available
• ZEISS Crossbeam 550 FIB SEM equipped with low kV EDS and EBSD systems, STEM detector and micromanipulator. Low vacuum imaging mode is also available
• CAMECA SX100 Electron Microprobe
CONFOCAL MICROSCOPES:
• Zeiss LSM510 confocal microscope
• Leica TCS SP5 confocal microscope
FLUORESCENCE MICROSCOPES:
• Olympus BX61 Fluorescence Microscope
LIVE CELL IMAGING:
• Leica DMI6000 life cell imaging fluorescence microscope
• Olympus IX70 life cell imaging fluorescence microscope
SLIDE SCANNER:
• Surveyor Turboscan system
Applications
Keywords - Biological: Cell Biology | Neurobiology | Developmental Biology | Plant Biology | C. elegans | Microbiology | Bio-materials | Histology/pathology | Food
Keywords - Physical Sciences: Bioengineering & biomaterials | Metallurgy/Alloy Development | Corrosion/Oxidation | Nanomaterials | Composites | Geology/Mineralogy | Planetary Sciences | Catalysts | Polymers and organic electronics | Ionic conductors, fuel cells and batteries
As a busy multi-user facility, we see a wide variety of samples passing through. We have the expertise to deal with many different sample types.
Sample Preparation
Keywords - Biological: Resin embedding | Ultrathin sectioning | Serial sectioning | Immunolabelling | Plunge Freezing | Freeze substitution | Critical Point Drying | Metal coating | Negative stain | Correlative Light & EM | Immunofluorescence | Cryostat sectioning | Vibrating microtome
Keywords - Materials: Argon ion thinning | Electropolishing | Focussed ion beam (Other) | Tripod polishing
We are able to advise and assist users on the best way to prepare their samples.
Sample preparation for biological applications:
Cryostat for frozen sectioning
Leica VT1000s Vibrating blade microtome
Leica RM2265 Fully Automated Rotary Microtome
Leica EM KMR2 Knifemaker
Leica UC7 ultramicrotome;
Leica Ultracut UCT ultramicrotome;
Reichert Jung ultramicrotome
Leica AFS and AFS2 freeze-substitution apparatus
Leica MM80 impact freezer
Sample preparation for SEM:
Polaron Critical Point Drying system
Polaron SC7640 gold sputter coater
Edwards Model 306 carbon evaporator
Gatan Precision Ion Polishing System (PIPS)
Struers Tenupol
Dimpler (Gatan)
Disc cutter (Gatan)
Disc grinder (Gatan)
South Bay Tech tripod polisher
Ultrasonic drill (Gatan)
Data Analysis
Keywords – Software: ImageJ | FIJI | Imaris | Matlab | Volocity | ImagePro | Digital Micrograph/ GMS
Keywords - Other: Reconstruct | 3D Studio Max | Neurolucida | StereoInvestigator
We can support users in the analysis of their data and there is a range of software packages available for use (see keywords above). One of the unique expertise of the facility is 3D reconstruction technique of serially sectioned sample. Training can be given if required.
Shared Access
Microscopy Facility at the OU uses a full economic cost model to help recover costs. The facilities are available to both internal and external user on a per hour rate charge basis. Comprehensive training is provided for those people wishing to use specific equipment. The team welcomes inquiries from anyone interested in using the imaging facility.
Funding
The majority of the OU’s funding is won in open competition from funding agencies worldwide, with more than 50% coming from UK government sources. BBSRC and EPSRC provides a large proportion of the OU’s funding in the form of responsive mode funding and strategic funding for the Institute Strategic Programmes.
The OU also holds grants from the Cancer Research UK, Alzheimer’s Research UK, European Research Council and charitable sources.