Life Sciences

Structural Biology
Today, cryo electron microscopy (EM) reconstruction has become a powerful tool in determining the 3D structure of macromolecules at subnanometer resolution.  If well-ordered, helical or 2D crystalline specimens are available, near-atomic resolution can be achieved and the biological function of the studied molecule can be understood in atomic detail. In the more general case of single-particle reconstruction, structures at resolutions higher than 4 Å have been reported. Although it is difficult to recognize individual amino acid residues at this resolution, researchers can derive important information regarding protein domain arrangements or can even be able to trace the polypeptide chain.

The combination of EM reconstruction with X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy enables structural biologists to gain a much more comprehensive understanding of the studied molecule than could possibly be achieved with any single technique.  EM reconstruction can be interpreted in greater precision by fitting an X-ray model into an EM density map.  On the other hand, an EM reconstruction at low resolution (20 Å) can be used as a phasing model in solving crystallographic structures of viruses or macromolecules.

Providing an automated workflow from sample preparation, to image acquisition and reconstruction, to visualization - FEI Structural Biology solutions provide insight into the architecture and shape of macromolecular complexes and their functions.

Cellular Biology
FEI Cellular Biology solutions provide insight on the activities, functions, properties and organization of cells and a deeper understanding of the three-dimensional organization and function of cells. Dehydrating a cell for study can significantly alter the results of the investigation. High-resolution microscopy allows unique imaging of cell membrane structures and sub-cellular morphology in fully hydrated conditions. Biological samples can be quickly fixed by a cryo sample preparation device and subsequent automated cryo-fracture techniques allow further study of interior cellular structures.

Systems Biology
Systems Biology provides insight on the interactions between the components of biological systems and how these interactions give rise to the function and behavior of that system. The aim is to explain biological regulation at a cellular, tissue, organ, or whole organism level in order to understand living systems as a whole. To do this effectively, biological data needs to be collected, interpreted, and analyzed at a level above its individual role in specific cellular mechanisms, compartments, or components. FEI provides automated solutions which quickly enable high resolution ultrastructural imaging over large areas and volumes of tissues or cells.

Biomaterials
Ultrastructural imaging techniques serve an increasingly essential role in the rigorous characterization of engineered tissues and biomaterials. There is a clear need to understand not only what chemical and biological species are present in a biomaterial but how those species are spatially distributed and how long they remain functional. Recent advances have extended the application of 2D and 3D electron microscopy imaging technologies to reveal complex biological events and species at biomaterial–tissue interfaces. The ability to probe such interactions is tremendously valuable to investigators seeking to design improved biomaterials with enhanced functionality and specificity.

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery, particularly polymeric particle systems wherein delivery is achieved by encapsulation, or physical entrapment, of a drug within the particle matrix, has been a very active area of interest that has resulted in several successful products. The important technological advantages of nanoparticles used as drug carriers are high stability, high carrier capacity, feasibility of incorporation of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic substances, and feasibility of variable routes of administration, including oral application and inhalation. Nanoparticles can also be designed to allow controlled (sustained) drug release from the matrix. The properties of nanoparticles are highly dependent on their consistent formation and loading, which can be easily visualized using electron microscopy.

FEI solutions in Biomaterials enable the visualization of molecular, cellular, and tissue level interactions with biomaterial surfaces and the characterization of nanoparticle drug delivery systems.