Abstract
SEM analysis attains a special role and wide acceptance in biomedical researches as it is helping in the better imaging and analysis of different biological specimens. Preparation of the biological samples is one of the crucial steps which in turn affects the result. This chapter briefs the important techniques and procedures involved in the processing and preparation of the biological samples for the SEM analysis. The sampling process starts with fixation where it allows the sample to adhere properly to the following processes. Various types of chemicals, traditional chemical, physical fixatives are employed for the same along with vapour fixation techniques. The sample preparation will be then further proceeded with dehydration and drying methods to ensure the complete removal of water from the biological samples. Air drying, critical point drying, freeze-drying, chemical drying etc. are a few such processes before the mounting where it provides a firm binding of the sample to the holder. Then the biological samples can be analyzed for their features based on SEM images generated.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Yuan J, Wang X, Zhou H, Li Y, Zhang J, Yu S et al (2020) Comparison of sample preparation techniques for inspection of leaf epidermises using light microscopy and scanning electronic microscopy. Front Plant Sci 11:133. https://doi.org/10.3389/FPLS.2020.00133/BIBTEX
Henini M (2000) Scanning electron microscopy: an introduction. III-Vs Review 13:40–44. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0961-1290(00)80006-X
Pathan AK, Bond J, Gaskin RE (2010) Sample preparation for SEM of plant surfaces. Mater Today 12:32–43. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1369-7021(10)70143-7
Moran P, Coats B (2012) Biological sample preparation for SEM imaging of porcine retina. Microscopy Today 20:28–31. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1551929511001374
Khosravi-Darani K, Pardakhty A, Honarpisheh H, Rao VSNM, Mozafari MR (2007) The role of high-resolution imaging in the evaluation of nanosystems for bioactive encapsulation and targeted nanotherapy. Micron (Oxford, England: 1993) 38:804–818. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.MICRON.2007.06.009
Kaech A (2013) An introduction to electron microscopy instrumentation, imaging and preparation introduction to electron microscopy table of content
Fischer ER, Hansen BT, Nair V, Hoyt FH, Dorward DW (2012) Scanning electron microscopy. Current protocols in microbiology, Chapter 2:Unit 2B.2.-Unit 2B.2. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780471729259.MC02B02S25
Barshack I, Kopolovic J, Chowers Y, Gileadi O, Vainshtein A, Zik O et al (2004) A novel method for “wet” SEM. Ultrastruct Pathol 28:29–31. https://doi.org/10.1080/01913120490275222
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2022 The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Sreejith, M., Prashant, S., Benny, S., Aneesh, T.P. (2022). Preparation of Biological Samples for SEM: Techniques and Procedures. In: Kamaraj, SK., Thirumurugan, A., Dhanabalan, S.S., Hevia, S.A. (eds) Microscopic Techniques for the Non-Expert. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-99542-3_10
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-99542-3_10
Published:
Publisher Name: Springer, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-99541-6
Online ISBN: 978-3-030-99542-3
eBook Packages: Biomedical and Life SciencesBiomedical and Life Sciences (R0)