Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
Transmission electron microscopy allows the visualisation of cell ultrastructure.
In recent years we have been fortunate to be awarded a BBSRC Alert17 grant, specifically for multi-user pieces of kit.
Our lab now houses:
- Hitachi HT7800 120kV TEM with cryo screening capabilities using an EMSIS CMOS Xarosa camera
The BBSRC grant also allowed us to buy the Gatan Cryo Rod ELSA 698, pumping station, the Leica EM GP2 plunge system and supporting items to allow sample preparation of cryo samples.
Typical applications for TEM:
- plant, animal tissue and cell culture
- isolated proteins, both ambient temperature work and cryo screening work
- monolayers
- bacteria and viruses
- particulate size and distribution in non-biological samples plus diffraction
Experienced staff are here to provide support in all areas of TEM. Training is available for Newcastle University researchers which will reduce costs in the long term.
Specialised techniques
Negative staining
A concentrated suspension of particles is deposited onto a coated grid. A drop of heavy metal salt is applied to the grid and surrounds the sample. The electron beam will pass through the sample easier than the surrounding stain and in the resulting image the sample particles will appear light and the surrounding area dark.
This technique is used for the visualisation of bacteria flagellae, viruses, and isolated proteins.
Research expertise in the area of protein analysis is provided by Prof. Robin Harris, who works closely with teams led by Prof. Rick Lewis, and Prof. Jeremy Lakey.
