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Electron microscopy (EM) has been used for over 70 years in biological research, from tissue and cell ultrastructure down to the molecular organisation of proteins and macromolecules. EM is often used in combination with a variety of additional techniques, in the hope of linking structure to function and gaining a better understanding of life science specimens. Oxford Instruments NanoAnalysis provides tools, cameras, and analytical systems that are optimised for applications in life sciences, improving sensitivity, increasing throughput, and changing how we interpret biological information from the basic units of life through to complex medical research.
Layered EDS maps showing the distribution of
elements in an unstained plant cell
Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDS) is opening new dimensions for biological electron microscopy, adding compositional information (colour EM) to greyscale ultrastructural images in SEM and TEM. The additional elemental information can be used for a variety of applications including, but not restricted to, measuring the quantity and localising endogenous biological elements, imaging ultrastructure without any stain in resin-embedded and cryo-specimens, investigating the location and distribution of nanoparticles in cells and tissues, determining ion gradients across specified areas, investigating the composition of pollutants or contamination of biological material and the identification of a diverse range of stains and immunolabels. For more detail on specific applications, please click here.
Our EDS systems provide the flexibility and accuracy required for biological analysis, including:
In this video, we discuss the fundamentals of electron microscopy, exploring the interaction between electrons and matter to explain how X-rays are generated. Following this, we delve into the process of EDS acquisition, identifying how a simple spectrum is acquired and how we expand on this process to produce elemental maps. Finally, we introduce Tru-Q®, our unique spectrum processing function, which turns EDS data into useful results.
Viewing time: 15 minutes
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In this webinar, we will be discussing microscopy art, how EDS can be used to provide striking and informative images about biological samples and how they have used this technique to explore the topic of air pollution as part of an ongoing collaborative project spanning both art and science.
Discover the challenges of biological applications of Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), recognising issues related to specimen preparation and providing information on sample preparation methods and imaging conditions to maximise results, as well as covering the use of EDS in identification and imaging of cell ultrastructure.
Learn the complementary potential of analytical scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for fast and precise elemental characterisation of ultrastructural features in biological samples, without the need for specific labelling.
Learn how scanning electron microscopy (SEM) can help characterise airborne particulate matter and how this information is used and interpreted.
SEM provides significant versatility for life science research. But, there are key aspects of biological SEM that make EDS challenging. In this application note, we discuss how Oxford Instruments' Ultim Extreme detector provides a solution of EDS analysis for biological samples.
Imaging the chemical constituents of biological tissue adds an extra spectral dimension to your analysis. Ultrastructural information combined with compositional data.
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