Introduction of correlative light and airSEMTM microscopy imaging for tissue research under ambient conditions

Abstract

A complete fingerprint of a tissue sample requires a detailed description of its cellular and extracellular components while minimizing artifacts. We introduce the application of a novel scanning electron microscope (airSEMTM) in conjunction with light microscopy for functional analysis of tissue preparations at nanometric resolution (<10 nm) and under ambient conditions. Our metal-staining protocols enable easy and detailed visualization of tissues and their extracellular scaffolds. A multimodality imaging setup, featuring airSEMTM and a light microscope on the same platform, provides a convenient and easy-to-use system for obtaining structural and functional correlative data. The airSEMTM imaging station complements other existing imaging solutions and shows great potential for studies of complex biological systems.

Matrix metalloproteinase collagenolysis in health and disease

“…Global genomics analysis of lung tissue derived from an H1N1 influenza mouse model detected extremely elevated ECM remodeling collagenase genes (mostly MT1-MMP) without a corresponding increase in tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 [230]. Follow-up experiments, including fluorescence-correlated electron microscopy of intact tissues [231], global mass spectrometry, immune staining, and tissue zymography, revealed dramatic morphologic and compositional ECM changes in influenza-infected lungs, including depletion of fibrillar collagens [230]. The majority of the MT1-MMP-expressing cells during the infection were immune cells of myeloid origin.…”

Porosity estimation of Phyllostachys edulis (Moso bamboo) by computed tomography and backscattered electron imaging

“…The higher atomic mass elements have higher capability to backscatter the incident beam of electrons than the lower atomic mass elements. The result of this fact is that heavier elements contribute brighter pixels than lighter elements to the images (Solomonov et al 2014). High-contrast BSE images are more helpful for distinguishing the air phase and bamboo cell wall phase.…”

Nanoscale analysis of unstained biological specimens in water without radiation damage using high-resolution frequency transmission electric-field system based on FE-SEM

“…These protocols also enhance a specimen's contrast and prevent artefacts caused by the electrical charge. Until now, atmospheric and/or wet biological specimens have been examined by means of various atmospheric holders [13,14] or special equipment [15,16], but they undergo heavy radiation damage by the direct electron beam (EB) [10,11]. In addition, images of unstained biological samples in water yield poor contrast because specimens consisting of lightweight materials and water scatter the electron beam.…”