A new Cryostage has been installed on the available Cross Beam at FNF labs; the tool will extend the fields of application of electron microscopy.

The Cryo stage  makes possible to analyze samples in which water is present, thus extending the field of application of microscopy. electronics also in the biological, biomedical and agri-food sectors. In particular, Cryo stage (Quorum Technologies), the only instrument of this type present in Italy, expands the functions of the ZEISS cross beam: SEMs and SEMs / FIBs (Scanning Electron and Focused Ion Beam microscopes) are microscopes that provide very high resolution images generated by the interaction of a nanometer-sized electron or ion brush with the sample. In addition to the appearance of the sample, these tools can provide chemical and structural information or can dig to observe the internal structure.

“With this instrument it is finally possible to observe biological samples without having to dehydrate them first - explains Marco Lazzarino, researcher of the CNR-IOM and in particular of the 3M group who was responsible for assembling the instrument and is now responsible for it -. The water present in the sample is frozen very quickly and this allows you to observe its unaltered structure. In this way we can study with the SEM also foams, polymers, materials sensitive to damage by electron beams, hydrogels, cells, tissues and materials in solution, moreover it is very useful in microbiology for the study of viruses. And with the FIB we can literally cut them into slices to see how they are made inside ".

The Cryo stage also plays a role in the development of materials for implants and prostheses in the field of regenerative medicine and for the food industry. It is the first instrument of this type in Italy but is already widely used abroad for the study of food industry products, in particular, for example, a well-known ice cream company uses it to study the optimal consistency of its products.

It should be noted that a new access mode to FNF will now be possible at a reduced rate, for those interested in accessing only the Dual Beam laboratory; in addition to this, the cryo stage, the sputter coater, the laminar flow hood for sample preparation, and finally the CO2 critical point drier system are also included.