Array Tomography
Volume EM Techniques

Array Tomography​

Non-destructive Volume Imaging Using Standard, Scanning Electron Microscopy​​

  • Can be performed with standard SEM
  • Non-destructive imaging preserves the sample
  • Suitable for correlative workflows

Volume EM with Array Tomography

Research groups with access to a standard SEM and some training with sample preparation can explore volume EM (vEM) with array tomography (AT). In AT, thin serial sections are cut and affixed to a sample holder. The sections are imaged by SEM and then digitally reconstructed to create a 3D data set. AT is particularly suitable for correlative workflows, such as when proteins of interest are first localized using fluorescence microscopy. A huge advantage of AT is that it does not destroy the sections, which can be archived for future use.​

Schematic Representation of a Typical Workflow​

Sample preparation

1

A resin-embedded sample is cut into an array of serial sections, each with a section thickness of typically 30 – 70 nm, and attached to a sample carrier in the order they were cut.​

Image acquisition

2

Each serial section is imaged with the scanning electron microscope (SEM).

Processing segmentation

3

The acquired EM images are processed and digitally aligned into a 3D data set. Cell compartments can be identified and segmented. ​

3D visualization analysis

4

The segmented 3D data set can be visualized, investigated, and statistically analyzed. ​

Application Example​

3D reconstruction of serial sections from root nodules with the distribution of plasmodesmata​

  • Courtesy of D. Sherrier, J. Caplan, and S. Modla, University of Delaware, USA.​

New Discoveries from the Ultrastructure of Life Virtual Seminar Series | January – June 2024

In a series of six webinars, explore the technological underpinnings of Volume EM imaging and its growing number of application areas in neurobiology, cancer research, developmental biology, plant science, and more.

Learn about vEM-specific sample preparation and technologies (array tomography, serial block-face SEM, and FIB-SEM), advanced image processing, data analysis, and result visualization capabilities of workflow-oriented software solutions.

The symbiotic relationship between plants and bacteria

The symbiotic relationship between plants and bacteria

The symbiotic relationship between plants and bacteria Courtesy of D. Sherrier, J. Caplan, and S. Modla, University of Delaware, USA.
Courtesy of D. Sherrier, J. Caplan, and S. Modla, University of Delaware, USA.

Courtesy of D. Sherrier, J. Caplan, and S. Modla, University of Delaware, USA.

The Symbiotic Relationship between Plants and Bacteria​

Understanding the Impact of Bacteria in Root Nodules on the Health and Condition of Plants

The root network of a plant provides access to all of the water and nutrients that are crucial components for all plant growth. Exploring the whole root network as well as understanding the influence of external microbes is important for optimizing plant health and yield. Investigating the symbiotic relationship between plants and bacteria in root nodules requires knowledge of root nodule and bacteria distribution and a combination of both fluorescence and high-resolution structural assessment is vital to understand this in detail.​

Correlative array tomography enables the overlay of both fluorescence and structural data to enable visualization of root nodule and bacteria distribution.

Contact ZEISS Microscopy

Contact

Form is loading...

/ 4
Next Step:
  • Step 1
  • Step 2
  • Step 3
Contact us
Required Information
Optional Information

If you want to have more information on data processing at ZEISS please refer to our data privacy notice.