Electron Microscopy has been part of the research environment at WMC for over 40 years. Current applications concentrate on (but are not limited to) studies of developmental trends and the effects of genetic knockouts on specific cell types or organs. Localization of specific proteins using gold-labeled antibodies can give the next level information after preliminary studies have been done in light microscopy. The facility provides transmission and scanning electron microscopy services, including specimen preparation, embedding, thin and ultrathin sectioning and staining (TEM) and critical point drying, sputter and/or carbon coating (SEM).


Facilities

The facility has a JOEL 100CX-II transmission electron microscope equipped with a ASID unit enabling scanning EM, ultramicrotomes, a paraffin microtome, cryostat, 2 vacuum evaporators, critical point dryer and sputter coater, a low temperature UV chamber for polymerization of acrylic resins for immuno EM, and an automated tissue processor for paraffin embedding.


Services

• Consultation: The staff provides consultation on experimental design approach.
• Transmission Electron Microscopy: Full sample processing from fixation through embedding, sectioning and microscopy is available.
• Scanning Electron Microscopy: Fixation, dehydration, critical point drying and sputter coating of small samples can be performed by the Core.
• Microtomy: Sectioning for electron microscopy is available. There is a second ultramicrotome available for those already versed in ultramicrotomy. Equipment is also available for the investigators' use to obtain paraffin and frozen sections for light microscopy. Ultrathin frozen sections for immuno EM are also available. Ultrathin Frozen Sectioning technique for immunolocalization at the EM level utilizes the Facility's new RMC MT7000 ultramicrotome equipped with the CRX cryo chamber.
• Paraffin Embedding for Light Microscopy: The TissueTek VIP 150 automated tissue processing unit and the accompanying embedding console is available for paraffin embedding for light microscopy applications.

Contact

Leona Cohen-Gould, MS
Telephone: (212) 746-6146