Understanding complex biological systems requires knowing how cells are organized in a Three-dimensional (3D) network because their organization determines how cells can interact. Traditional microscopic methods are insufficient for determining 3D intercellular organization because light microscopy has insufficient spatial resolution to observe the necessary detail.
Although transmission electron microscopy (TEM) provides more than enough detail, imaging tissues in three dimensions is a very time consuming task with little room for process automation.
DualBeam™ Slice and View
Fully automated serial sectioning and imaging of neural tissue embedded in epoxy resin can be achieved by sectioning the block using a focused ion beam (FIB) parallel to the block face. A scanning electron beam is then used to image the tissue at this milled surface.
A DualBeam™ system provides the ideal combination of an ion beam and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for 3D tissue imaging. With sufficient resolution (between light microscopy and TEM) and automated tissue sectioning (using the ion beam as a precise micro-scalpel) a DualBeam is the microscope of choice to image larger tissue sections in three dimensions with sufficient resolution to determine the intercellular interactions.
FEI products designed to perform automated tissue imaging includes the Nova 200 Nanolab, which requires minimal effort to acquire a stack of images to characterize 3D tissue volume.
Microscopes for 3D Tissue Imaging:
Accessories for 3D Tissue Imaging: