Biological sample preparation

CAM staff member using the Leica EM UC7 Ultramicrotome to section a biological sample

Some of the biological sample preparation equipment available for use at CAM.

Please visit CAM: Cryo equipment for more sample preparation facilities.

Leica Ultramicrotome EM UC7 (N-tome)

Ultramicrotome for perfect sectioning at room temperature and cryo-condition.

The Ultramicrotome Leica EM UC7 provides easy preparation of semi- and ultrathin sections as well as perfect, smooth surfaces of biological and industrial samples for TEM and& LM examination.

  • Fully motorised knife stage and Auto Trim function.
  • Brightness controlled multi-LED illumination and LED spot illumination.

With the cryo-attachment, you are able to polish frozen samples for cryo-SEM examination and cryo-sectioning for TEM examination.

  • Internal chamber illumination.
  • Temperature range from -185°C to -15°C.
  • Individual temperature setting for specimen, knife and chamber.
  • Setting of temperature difference up to 130°C (between knife and specimen).
  • Heated chamber walls prevent ice condensation.

Reichert-Jung Ultramicrotome (L and M -tome)

Mostly used for trimming and semi thin section for LM examination.

  • Automatic feed is available: Up to 90 nm thickness for ultra-feed and up to 1 µm thickness for micro feed setting.
  • Manual cutting range: 0.5 um, 1um, 1.5um and 2.0um.
  • Standard cutting face of sample block is 0.5 x 1mm2 to 1 x 2 mm2.

Balzers Critical Point Dryer CPD 030

Gentle specimen drying for water-containing biological specimens, without drastically altering their structures.

  • Automatic cooling/heating system. (Cooling range, adjustable 2°C to 12°C and heating range, adjustable 30°C to 45°C)
  • Specimen chamber: usable volume is 40mm diameter x 36mm and fluid filling is approximately 70 ml.
  • Use CO2 (critical point of 73.8 bar and 31°C) as a transitional fluid.
  • Flow meter to control outlet of the gaseous transitional agent exiting the CPD.

Leica Glass Knife Maker

Balanced-break glass knife maker for producing 45° glass knives for sectioning.

Updated:  7 February 2022/Responsible Officer:  Science web/Page Contact:  Science web