Melbourne Advanced Microscopy Facility

At the facility, we offer electron microscopy for researchers working in biological and material sciences. We are based at the Bio21 Institute, in a physical containment level 2 (PC2) laboratory.

Electron microscopes have much a much higher magnifying power than normal light microscopes. They are used for a wide range of applications, including examining biological samples, analysing medical biopsies and analysing metal and crystal structures.

For example, we have revealed the structure of the target proteins for drugs to treat malaria so they can be designed to bind more effectively and work more efficiently We have also used the environmental scanning electron microscope to see moss flower within the electron microscope, which has not been seen previously. We have even used the SEM to characterise the detergent from a local laundromat.

We work collaboratively with other researchers, as well as offering fee-for-service work. We provide training and advice. We also offer access to a wide range of equipment for preparing samples.

Our services include:

• Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) for structural and cell biology
• Three-dimensional electron microscopy (tomography, block face imaging and array tomography)
• Standard and high-resolution 2D imaging
• Elemental analysis
• Nanofabrication
• Standard and cryo scanning electron microscopy.

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