Microscopy platform

Confocal laser scanning microscopy Leica SP8

400 SEK per hour

Light sheet microscopy Leica DLS SP8

400 SEK per hour

Micro-computed tomography (Micro CT) Nikon XTH 225

600 SEK per hour

Scanning electron microscopy Hitachi SU3500

400 SEK per hour

Transmission electron microscopy JEOL 1400 Plus

600 SEK per hour

Staff support during imaging or sample preparation

600 SEK per hour

Sample preparation and lab support

Fixation and embedding in epoxy for TEM (max 10 samples)

1,000 SEK

Ultra-thin sectioning and counterstaining for TEM

600 SEK per hour

Full sample preparation for SEM, including drying and coating (max 6 samples)

1,000 SEK

SEM sample preparation including only mounting and sputter coating (max 6 samples)

600 SEK

Confocal laser scanning microscopy Leica SP8

400 SEK per hour

Light sheet microscopy Leica DLS SP8

400 SEK per hour

Micro-computed tomography (Micro CT) Nikon XTH 225

800 SEK per hour

Scanning electron microscopy Hitachi SU3500

700 SEK per hour

Transmission electron microscopy JEOL 1400 Plus

800 SEK per hour

Staff support during imaging or sample preparation

750 SEK per hour

Sample preparation and lab support

Fixation and embedding in epoxy for TEM (max 10 samples)

1,600 SEK

Ultra-thin sectioning and counterstaining for TEM

900 SEK per hour

Full sample preparation for SEM, including drying and coating (max 6 samples)

1,500 SEK

SEM sample preparation including only mounting and sputter coating (max 6 samples)

800 SEK

Confocal laser scanning microscopy Leica SP8

1,200 SEK per hour

Light sheet microscopy Leica DLS SP8

1,200 SEK per hour

Micro-computed tomography (Micro CT) Nikon XTH 225

2,500 SEK per hour

Scanning electron microscopy Hitachi SU3500

1,400 SEK per hour

Transmission electron microscopy JEOL 1400 Plus

1,500 SEK per hour

Staff support during imaging or sample preparation

1,400 SEK per hour

Sample preparation and lab support

Fixation and embedding in epoxy for TEM (max 10 samples)

2,400 SEK

Ultra-thin sectioning and counterstaining for TEM

1,400 SEK per hour

Full sample preparation for SEM, including drying and coating (max 6 samples)

2,200 SEK

SEM sample preparation including only mounting and sputter coating (max 6 samples)

1,200 SEK

Possible application of a confocal laser scanning microscope

Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) is a method for examining fluorescent or reflecting specimens with clarity. This technique is commonly referred to as confocal microscopy. With this method, you remove out-of-focus light to create sharp, well-defined images of structures within the focal plane, even for specimens that are too thick for traditional fluorescence microscopy.

By capturing a sequence of confocal images at various depths within a thick sample, you can use the power of 3D analysis and rendering. This allows you to see structures that you cannot see through conventional light microscopy.

Usage of the light-sheet function of the confocal laser scanning microscope

Our confocal microscope is also equipped with a light-sheet module. Light sheet microscopy – also referred to as single plane illumination microscopy (SPIM) is a gentle way of imaging sensitive samples or fast biological processes in vivo. The specimen is illuminated only in a single plane at a time and detected from the perpendicular direction. Since there is no out-of-focus excitation, phototoxic effects are reduced to the focal plane. Light sheet imaging has intrinsic optical sectioning. By moving the sample through the light sheet, 3D images of a specimen can be recorded. With this technique, large 3D volumes are captured at a much higher speed but slightly lower resolution compared to confocal imaging.

Details about our confocal laser scanning microscope

Our Leica SP8 DLS (inverted microscope) is equipped with:

• Light source: five lasers with wavelengths:
  • 405 nm
  • Solid state 488 nm
  • Solid state 514 nm
  • Solid state 552 nm
  • Solid state 638 nm
• Detectors: two PMT:s (photomultiplier tubes), one HyD GaAsP-spectral detector, one PMT for transmitted light
• Objectives for confocal imaging: 10x/0.3, 20x/0.75 IMM, 25x/0.95W, 63x/1.4 Oil, 63x/1.3 GLYC
• Objectives and mirrors for light-sheet microscopy: imaging 25x/0.95W DLS, 10x/0.3W DLS, illumination 2,5x/0.07, 5x/0.15, DLS TwinFlect 2.5mm, DLS TwinFlect 5mm
• Software: LAS X with HyVolution, Dye Finder, 3D Visualisation, Microlab (for FRAP, FLIP and FRET) and Huygens Base Package for Deconvolution

Infrared Spectroscopy is an analytical tool that examines the interaction between infrared light and molecules, allowing researchers to gain insights through absorption, emission, and reflection analyses. In biology, Infrared Spectroscopy aids in examining biomolecules' specific molecular vibrations, enabling the investigation of various biological samples such as cells, tissues, organs, and biofluids.

Infrared Spectroscopy's label-free and non-invasive nature provides structure-specific spectra for intact cells and tissues. This approach can be used in both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Thus, providing researchers with a powerful means of detecting, classifying, and understanding complex biological systems.

IR spectroscopy measures absolute frequencies at which a sample absorbs radiation, unlike Raman spectroscopy which measures relative frequencies at which a sample scatters radiation.

Possible application of a micro-computed tomography microscope

Micro-computed tomography (Micro CT) is a non-invasive imaging method used in scientific and industrial fields for detailed 3D visualisation of an object's internal structure. In biology, Micro CT serves as a valuable tool for examining biological specimens without the need for dissection. It enables researchers to explore the inner workings of small organisms, fossils, and biological tissues, contributing to the fields of anatomy, palaeontology, and evolutionary biology. You can also use Micro CT to look at geological and material samples like parts of machines and computers,

Furthermore, in plant biology, Micro CT can help analyse root structures and seed development, providing microscopic insights into plant growth and development. Micro CT plays a role in enhancing our understanding of the natural world by allowing scientists to delve into the hidden details of organisms and fossils.

Details about our micro-computed tomography microscope

With our micro-computed tomography (Micro CT) equipment, Nikon XT H 225, you can x-ray samples in three dimensions. With this non-destructive technique, you can collect and visualise both internal information and external surface information in 3D.

The system is equipped with both a transmission target and a reflection target.

The tungsten transmission target is used for smaller samples (1 cm and below) and higher resolution and can operate at a maximum of 180kV to achieve voxel sizes down to 2 microns.

The reflection target is used for bigger samples (up to approximately 25 cm) and can operate at 225 kV and achieve voxels from 3-125 microns, depending on sample size. For this target, there is a choice of target material (tungsten, molybdenum, silver, and copper) to achieve different X-ray spectra.

Raman spectroscopy utilises scattered light to measure the vibrational energy modes of a sample. Thus, providing unique chemical and structural information for substance identification.

In biology, researchers can use this non-destructive technique to identify and distinguish materials. Raman spectroscopy has a spatial resolution of 0.5-1 µm. With Raman spectroscopy, you can examine the structure, function, and dynamics of biomolecules such as proteins and nucleic acids. The technique is non-invasive and has a high chemical specificity.

Raman spectroscopy measures relative frequencies at which a sample scatters radiation, unlike IR spectroscopy which measures absolute frequencies at which a sample absorbs radiation.

Scanning electron microscopes (SEMs) are powerful tools used across various scientific and industrial fields. Their main role is to create detailed 3D images of solid specimen surfaces. Engineers and scientists use SEMs to examine the texture and shape of materials. Thus giving us vital information about their structure.

SEMs help biologists explore the surface of cells to study cell structure and surface textures. You can also use SEMs to study interactions between cells and their surroundings. Moreover, SEMs assist in studying tiny structures like hair, pollen, and microorganisms, deepening our understanding of the microscopic world in biology.

Details about our scanning electron microscope

With our Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Hitachi SU3500, it is possible to perform both high and low vacuum studies.  We can study all types of exposed surfaces of dry specimens like metal-coated samples in high vacuum, and uncoated samples in low vacuum. Typical samples we look at are bacteria, pollen, tissue preparations, insects, and different materials. A resolution of a few nanometers is possible to achieve but is highly dependent on the sample. Operating at low magnifications offers an overview and great depth of focus.

Sample preparation

To dry delicate biological samples with minimal artifacts we have a Leica CPD 300 critical point dryer. To make non-conductive samples conductive we use a Cresstington 208 auto sputter coater equipped with a gold target, creating a few nanometers thin gold layer on top of the samples.

Scientists use transmission electron microscopes (TEMs) across many scientific fields for ultra-detailed imaging and analysis at the nano-level. We can use TEMs to investigate the internal structure of materials in detail.

At our facility, we commonly use TEMs to look at ultra-thin slices of cells and tissues, organelles, and even viruses at the subcellular level. Moreover, TEMs can also help us characterise nanoparticles and nanomaterials.

Details about our transmission electron microscope

Our Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) is a 120 kV JEOL JEM 1400 plus, with a bottom-mounted CMOS camera, and both single and penta sample holders. With our TEM we usually study thin sections (50-70 nm) of biological tissue or particle and material specimens like bacteria, viruses, and powder. With the JEOL JEM 1400 plus you can also study sub-nanometer resolutions if the sample allows it.

Sample preparation for TEM

In our lab, we will give support during the entire sample preparation process and provide you with the material, chemicals and equipment needed. We have a Leica UC7 ultramicrotome equipped with a diamond knife for sample sectioning if needed.