Section SEM and Serial Section SEM

Abstract

Section scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is a novel SEM technique based on observation of backscattered electron (BSE) images of tissue sections embedded in resin on glass microscope slides. Using this technique, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM)-like images can be obtained without the need to use specialized techniques such as ultramicrotomy. In this paper, we introduce three techniques based on the SEM method: 1) BSE imaging of semithin sections; 2) correlation of immunofluorescence and BSE images of the semithin sections; and 3) combination of a cryosectioning method (the Tokuyasu method) with section SEM. Additionally, we describe serial section SEM, which is a novel 3D imaging method, and discuss the possibilities for use of these SEM imaging techniques for tissue sections.