200kV Transmission electron microscope including the devices in the workflow

• Subject Area: Basic Research in Biology and Medicine
• Term: Funded in 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 547489606

The Faculty of Medicine at Ruhr-Universität Bochum (RUB) has established a Medical Imaging Center (MIC) as a core facility in 2022 in order to (1) provide the faculties of the life sciences at RUB with a central and competent point of contact for planning and carrying out electron microscopic analyses, (2) integrate and effectively use the existing sample preparation equipment and (3) implement further microscopy techniques by acquiring new equipment. The new 200 kV transmission electron microscope (TEM) to be purchased will not only serve as a replacement for the defective, 32-year-old Zeiss Leo 910 TEM, but will also bring the Imaging Center up to the state of the art. Additional functions such as TEM tomography and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) will also enable the investigation of specific cell organelle structures, which is only made possible by the acquisition of three-dimensional images and thus meets user requirements. This will be supported by modern and artifact-free sample preparation using high-pressure freezing (HPF) and freeze substitution. The acquisition of a new sample milling machine and an Ultracut will also help to maintain state-of-the-art conventional sample preparation. All the devices together ensure smooth operation of the electron microscopy unit and provide an attractive extension and enhancement of the Core Facility's services.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: 200kV Transmissionselektronenmikroskop inklusive der Geräte im Arbeitsablauf
• Instrumentation Group: 5100 Elektronenmikroskope (Transmission)
• Applicant Institution: Ruhr-Universität Bochum
• Leader: Professor Dr. Carsten Theiss