Electron Microscopy Unit

The Electron Microscopy Unit (EMU) is a dedicated service providing state-of-the-art electron microscopy to the research scientists at the London Research Institute.

Based in Lincoln's Inn Fields, the team comprises four experienced electron microscopists and aims to provide access to a complete range of EM techniques and equipment. In the coming year we will be acquiring cutting edge instrumentation and undergoing a comprehensive reorganisation to ensure that the unit is a world leader in terms of quality, variety and innovation.

Current equipment includes three transmission electron microscopes (TEM), a high resolution field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), three ultramicrotomes for room temperature sectioning, two cryoultramicrotomes for cryosectioning and a range of ancillary sample preparation equipment.

The EMU utilises a wide range of techniques including room temperature embedding and ultrathin sectioning for morphology, pre and post-embedding immunolabelling for protein localisation and specialist techniques such as high pressure freezing and freeze substitution. We have experience in processing samples as diverse as standard cell lines, primary cell lines, virus-infected cells, tissue blocks, yeast, Drosophila embryos, Drosophila eyes and Caenorhabditis elegans.

The EM unit is also involved in teaching students and research scientists the principles and practice of electron microscopy. Advice and training in the preparation of samples, use of the microscopes and data acquisition and interpretation is available for those wishing for an active involvement in their project.

In 2007 we will purchase a new TEM with two high specification digital cameras, tomography (3D transmission electron microscopy) and a cryo stage for fully hydrated specimens. We plan to introduce Correlative Light Electron Microscopy (CLEM) to many of our projects which will allow the same cell and/or organelle to be followed from the light level through to the electron microscope.

In addition, the EM team regularly attend microscopy courses and conferences in order to stay at the forefront of our specialisation.

Lucy Collinson is head of this service.

For more information about the EMU, see the Unit's website.