Microscopy

Scales on leaves of Tabeuia rosea. (Electron Microscopy)

The Laboratory of Electron and Confocal Microscopy is located in the Earl S. Tupper Research and Conference Center of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Calle Federico Clement, #401, Cerro Ancón, Corregimiento de Ancón, Panama City, Republic of Panama.


Electron Microscopy Services

  1. Surface observation through scanning (SEM) or observation of structures using cryofracture.
  2. Observation of histological cuts or particulated material using the STEM technique (Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy).
  3. Direct observation of fresh specimens (SEM) using cold mount at variable pressure.
  4. Basic processing of biological and non-biological specimens (fixation, dehydration, critical point drying of specimens and metallic coating).

Confocal Microscopy Services

Microscopio Confocal

Parasitic mite that lives on the inner ear of cattle. VP; BSED; 20KV.2

  1. Observation of tridimensional specimens combining high resolution and image quality. Detection of fluorescence through fluorochrome markers in tissues and cells.
  2. Studies of specimens through autofluorescence.
  3. The confocal microscope has 4 possible combinations of diode solid state lasers (405nm, 473nm, 559nm and 635nm) and the use of 3 observation channels plus one more for transmitted light

Equipment:

  1. Zeiss Evo 40 VP electronic scanning microscope. Secondary electron detector for observation in high vacuum and under variable pressure, backscattered electron detectors for observation under variable pressure and in transmitted electron observation mode (Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy).
  2. Olympus FV1000 Confocal Microscope with lens revolver for normal objectives (10x, 20x, 40x), oil immersion objectives (40x and 60x). Revolver with set of lenses for water immersion objectives (10x, 20x and 40x). Diode laser (405nm, 473nm, 539nm, 635nm), 4 photomultipliers. Motorized stage.
  3. Denton Vacuum DCP-1 critical point dryer.
  4. Metal coater. Anatech Hummer VI-A Sputtering System. Metallic coating with gold-paladium (60%-40%)