TEM Camera - Department of Biosciences

Biosciences is a broad based department engaged in research from ecology to biochemistry and structural biology in systems including crop, fuel and model plants, model invertebrates and vertebrates, as well as human cell culture and tissue. Imaging has become central to much of this research, and for light based optical imaging we have invested in and developed state of the art "super resolution" and functional imaging methods. For more detailed analysis of cell and tissue ultra structure we use high resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). We are also currently developing correlative light/electron microscopy methods, for which we need a high resolution TEM camera (the purpose of this tender), to enable alignment of low magnification light microscopy images with low magnification, but high resolution TEM images. We are also interested in acquiring TEM images over large areas for looking at cell organisation in tissues and in vitro engineered tissues, again requiring a high resolution camera. We also have a strong structural biology group (joint with Chemistry) and there is an interest in developing cryo-electron microscopy methods for protein structure determination. Although high resolution data would not be collected in Durham, but at a central facility such as Diamond, such work requires "feeder"instruments to test samples. It would therefore be desirable, but not essential, to acquire a cryo-capable camera to potentially facilitate such work in the future.

The purchase of a new high resolution camera for our transmission electron microscope (TEM) is required to replace an ageing obsolete camera on our TEM which is no longer fit for purpose, and also to extend the capabilities of the TEM and enhance research in the department. This will include the development of correlative light/electron microscopy methods. This is part of a successful Infrastructure bid to upgrade EM equipment in the department generally.

The equipment should be fully integrated and compatible with our existing Hitachi H7600 TEM with +/- 60 degree tilt stage (supplied in 2004).