Electron microscope dedicated to medical research

Scientific equipment supplier AXT has completed the installation of a TESCAN VEGA SEM at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, where it will assist with the institute’s research into cancer, infectious diseases, mental health and chronic disorders. TESCAN VEGA SEMs are robust workhorses capable of producing high-resolution images of biological, materials and mining-related samples.

The system installed at QIMR Berghofer is a VEGA3 LMU equipped with a Peltier-cooled stage and low-vacuum secondary electron TESCAN detector (LVSTD). Easy to use and maintain, it is capable of resolving features and nanoparticles down to 3 nm.

The LMU variant has a large chamber and is capable of variable pressure imaging. This type of environment is required for non-conductive samples (eg, biological samples, polymers, ceramics, etc) which are prone to charging under high-vacuum conditions due to their non-conductive nature. The LVSTD has been developed specifically for imaging under these conditions.

The Peltier-cooled stage is also of benefit to biological researchers. It can cool specimens to subzero temperatures and protects them from ambient temperature changes, such as water/moisture sublimation, or potential damage from the electron beam. The system can also be fitted with water vapour injection to allow imaging of live cells.

QIMR Berghofer researchers have to date been using SEM facilities at other institutions. Having the TESCAN VEGA located in-house will mean that they will have better and increased access, allowing them to accelerate their research. Imaging using SEM at high magnifications will provide the researchers with high levels of topographical and structural information, while the systems’ large depth of field will ensure each frame provides the most detail possible.

In addition, QIMR Berghofer will be able to train up more operators who can also benefit from access to the technology. This will assist them with maintaining their high ranking in the global medical research arena.