"EMU: Transmission electron microscopy acquisition to investigation of microstructural alterations due to microorganism infection or physiological changes"

• Grant number: 23/17383-1
• Support Opportunities: Research Infrastructure Program - Small Medium Sized
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Microbiology
• Principal Investigator: Marcia Helena Braga Catroxo
• Grantee: Marcia Helena Braga Catroxo
• Host Institution: Instituto Biológico (IB). Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios (APTA). Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento (São Paulo - Estado). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Ana Eugênia de Carvalho Campos ; Cláudia Maris Ferreira Mostério ; Liria Hiromi Okuda ; Mário Eidi Sato

Abstract

With an important role in the biological sciences, the transmission electron microscope (TEM) is an indispensable tool for the study of cellular characteristics, ultrastructure of organelles and microorganisms, macromolecules, the interaction of nanoparticles with subcellular structures, the absorption of nanoparticles, their distribution and their relationships with cellular and tissue components; all thanks to the ability to visualize structures with high resolution, from micrometers to angstroms, and accuracy. The acquisition of the TEM will allow the continuity of research at the ultrastructural level, attributing a differential to the application of the various routine techniques of transmission electron microscopy, in addition to the development of the in situ hybridization technique, allowing an advance in the various areas of knowledge (animal, plant, aquaculture, poultry and bee health; human health; microbiology; cytology and histology; molecular genetics), covered by the Instituto Biológico (IB) and Instituto de Pesca, both at the basic and applied levels. These innovations will also allow us to serve a greater number of internal external users. The IB will provide electron microscopy courses, in addition to enabling the orientation of a greater number of students, opening up a range of application possibilities. The results generated by the MET may contribute to the identification of new pathogens, providing subsidies for the understanding of the epidemiology of diseases, their control, prevention and management, generating information and applications that can be used in the development of vaccines, also facilitating immediate strategic decision-making. The TEM will subsidize sanitary programs and the improvement of surveillance actions, collaborating with the São Paulo and National Agribusiness. The information generated will be published in high-impact journals, considering that many diseases occurring in Brazil also affect animals and plants in other countries, causing economic impact.The Talos L120C G2 120 kV transmission electron microscope, Thermo Fisher, is designed for high performance in a wide range of applications and is especially suitable for multi-user and multidisciplinary environments. The Talos column features an oil-free vacuum system, IGP assembly for enhanced vacuum, Symmetric C-TWIN objective lens for high contrast, high-speed digital display and research camera (SmartCam), pneumatically driven beam stop for diffraction work, condenser and automated objective apertures. Constant-Power" C-TWIN lenses offer excellent optical performance to ensure an optimal balance of contrast and resolution at high or moderate magnifications. The digital search and view camera (SmartCam) replaces the conventional fluorescent viewing screen, it is a combination of high frame rate CCD camera and a retractable fluorescent screen, and gives users the freedom of remote operation (local and far) and eliminates the need for dimmed illumination in the vicinity of the microscope. In addition, the SmartCam has a high frame rate (up to 40 frames/s), a large magnification range, high dynamic range mode, high-intensity focused beam observation, live Fourier transforms, false-color imaging, and makes it possible for all microscope alignments to be performed using the camera. On the Talos L120C G2 all components are digitally controlled. The task-oriented interface allows users to automatically recall all optimized operating conditions, including lens settings, electron gun parameters, optical alignments, and aperture alignments for all different techniques such as TEM, STEM, and low dosage. Another advantage is that this equipment is enabled for RAPID (Remote Access Program for Interactive Diagnostics), a highly secure connectivity tool that allows Thermo Fisher Scientific service engineers to connect directly to the instrument to resolve system issues remotely. (AU)