life sciences
18 Issue 4 2020
Tescan’s FIB-SEM solutions for life sciences
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escan’s world-class imaging technology delivers complete solutions for researchers in all branches of science. Due to the high versatility and customisable design of all Tescan systems, it is quite easy to design and manufacture dedicated instruments exactly suited to the customer’s needs. The FIB-SEM encompasses ultrahighresolution imaging, variable pressure observations, 3D tomographic methods, and complex solutions including correlative light-electron microscopy or cryogenic techniques. The Tescan Amber Cryo is an alternative solution to prepare cryo lamellae for your TEM and has the following features: • Flexible cryo-FIB-SEM workstation for your most demanding applications under cryogenic conditions • Optimised cryo-TEM lamella workflow for artefact-free planar on-grid lamella from plunge frozen specimens • Compatible solution with all cryo-TEM on the market • Excellent SEM imaging performance at very low-kV • Cryo-user account with defined DrawBeam project dedicated for your cryo operations • Easy navigation including extended field-of-view, two cameras, and 3D active collision model
• Easy-to-use, fully customisable, application-oriented, and modular user interface • Attractive optional packages for various applications. The Tescan Solaris is an advanced UHR FIB-SEM for 2D and 3D characterisation of your biological and beam-sensitive samples. This model’s key features are: • UHR imaging of beam-sensitive samples at low-kV • Routine investigation of heavy-metal stained resin-embedded samples with excellent contrast using the In-beam BSE detector at low-kV • Best resolution Ga FIB column with optimised ion optics for excellent performance and reproducibility • Site-specific TEM lamella preparation and in-situ visualisation with an easyto-use STEM detector that offers costeffective imaging results comparable to TEM • 3D nano visualisation and volume reconstruction of resin-embedded cellular structures • Cryo UHR SEM imaging and cryo-FIBSEM applications.
WIRSAM SCIENTIFIC Tel: (011) 482 1060 marketing@wirsam.com www.wirsam.com
Taken with the Tescan Solaris
Virus detection: Fast, sensitive and costeffective with electrochemical testing
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ith significant global viral outbreaks becoming the norm rather than generational outliers, it is imperative that fast, sensitive and cost-effective testing is available to the masses. It is only by a concerted effort of testing and tracing that viral outbreaks can be effectively controlled before becoming global pandemics. Screen-printed electrodes (SPEs) allow rapid, widespread testing of populations for infectious disease, without the need for skilled personnel or burdensome equipment in the field. The possibility of point-of-care (POC) testing with SPEs has been exhibited in several recent studies. Metrohm DropSens, as a manufacturer of SPEs as well as compact measuring devices, is the right partner for virology research projects – large and small. With a high production capability, combined with a valid ISO 13485 certification «Manufacturing of sensors for medical devices», this means testing procedures developed on DropSens SPEs can be reliably scaled up for larger operations, with easier approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). As the leading brand in the market for this printing technology, Metrohm DropSens can design custom-made SPEs and offers the expertise and exceptional customer support needed for complicated projects at scale.
Some benefits of electrochemical testing • Speed, results obtained within minutes • Limit of detection • Ease of use • Low cost per test • Regulatory approval, certified by ISO 13485, “Manufacturing of sensors for medical devices” • Customisation of Screen Printed Electrodes • Large scale production of Screen Printed Electrodes. • Follow the link to download the Metrohm white paper on virus detection with electrochemical testing: https://bit.ly/2UkJBt8. METROHM SA (PTY) LTD Tel: (011) 656 1918 CPT: (021) 852 0213 DBN: (031) 265 0067 Fax: (011) 656 2698 076 643 7113 info@metrohm.co.za www.metrohm.co.za
Powerful Hettich micro centrifuge for testing micro samples
T Resin embedded mammalian cells. Additionally, an inverted image was acquired using In-Beam BSE detector at accelerating voltage 2.5keV
Resin embedded brain tissue. Cross-section was prepared with Ga FIB and visualised using In-Beam BSE detector
Taken with the Tescan Amber Cryo
Overview image of on-grid lamella inside the cell
Top view of a thin lamella prepared for subsequent cryo-TEM analysis
he German-engineered Hettich Mikro 185 is a powerful centrifuge at the micro level and its compact small shape makes it easy to transport around. While small in size, the Mikro 185 is packed with many features that make it especially suitable in molecular biology, microbiology and genetic research where applications require high speeds to separate mixtures of low volume. This microlitre centrifuge has a maintenance-free motor, achieves high RCF values and maintains steady temperature control for best sample results. It is equipped with an angle rotor: 24 x 1.5/2ml and possesses the following features: • Max. speed (RPM): 13.300; Max. RCF: 17.008 • Dimensions (H x W x D): 228 x 261 x 353mm • Weight: approx. 11kg
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Refrigeration: Air cooling Small and easy to transport Space for 24 reaction tubes in the rotor In addition to holding 1.5/2.0ml standard tubes, it can also hold 0.2ml PCR tubes or 0.5ml tubes if adapters are used. LABOTEC (PTY) LTD JHB: (011) 315 5434 CPT: (021) 531 7660 DBN: (031) 566 4870 Fax: (011) 315 5882 sales@labotec.co.za www.labotec.co.za
