Electron Microscopy Services

Electron Microscopy Services

Dr. Tremblay has 23 years of experience with biological electron microscopy (EM), from sample preparation to imaging and ultrastructural analysis. With recent developments in the EM field, the Tremblay Lab has transitioned from using transmission EM to scanning EM, significantly expanding the possibilities for both 2D and 3D imaging.

At the University of Victoria, the Tremblay Lab has access to a state-of-the-art Zeiss Crossbeam 350 focused-ion beam (FIB)-SEM system. The Tremblay Lab has developed over the years a unique workflow for semi-automated imaging, both in 2D (chip mapping) and 3D (FIB-SEM), combined with immunostaining. Recently, we have also developed conjugate fluorescence array tomography to expand the number of markers used for cell type and subtype characterization.

This platform has been applied to a wide range of biological samples, including cells, 2D and 3D cellular models, animal models, and human post-mortem samples. While our primary focus and expertise lie in studying brain resilience and cognitive aging, notably with regard to microglia-neuron interactions, we have optimized protocols for oocytes, snails, worms, and various other sample types.

Our extensive collaborations on the national and international levels provide an exchange of expertise and training in advanced EM approaches.

Our FIB-SEM

The Zeiss Crossbeam 350 is a state-of-the-art focused ion beam scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM) that integrates a high-resolution SEM column with a gallium ion beam. This dual-beam configuration allows for precise milling of resin-embedded biological samples while simultaneously imaging the exposed surface. By repeating this layer-by-layer process, the system generates serial images that can be reconstructed into high-resolution three-dimensional datasets. This makes the Crossbeam 350 particularly powerful for ultrastructural studies of cells, organelles, and neural circuits.

FIB-SEM vs TEM

Compared to traditional transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the Crossbeam 350 offers significant advantages for volumetric imaging. While TEM provides excellent resolution, it requires manual ultrathin sectioning and alignment. In contrast, the FIB-SEM enables reduced distortion in sectioning with isotropic resolution, allowing a more accurate of the cellular architecture.

The FIB-SEM acquisition

The Tremblay Lab’s Zeiss Crossbeam 350 scanning electron microscope was acquired with funding from a Canada Foundation for Innovation John R. Evans Leaders Fund grant (#39965 Laboratory of ultrastructural insights into the neurobiology of aging and cognition).

Our ARTOS 3D Ultramicrotome

The ARTOS 3D ultramicrotome (Leica Microsystems) is an automated system that produces long ribbons of serial ultrathin sections with high consistency and minimal artifacts, enabling efficient large-volume imaging.

Ultramicrotome vs FIB-SEM

It provides a high-throughput method for volumetric reconstruction: ARTOS generates physical serial sections that are imaged by array tomography on the Crossbeam 350, while FIB-SEM on the same Crossbeam 350 system performs in situ milling and imaging for isotropic datasets. In a correlative workflow, resin-embedded samples are sectioned with ARTOS, mapped to identify regions of interest, and then imaged by array tomography or FIB-SEM for 3D analysis.

How to start a collaboration with us?

  1. Initial Inquiry: Contact Dr. Tremblay (evetremblay@uvic.ca) with a brief project summary and the number of samples requiring processing. (Note: For industry collaborations, pricing and scope should be discussed directly).
  2. Scoping & Scheduling: We will review your request, assess project priority, and coordinate a mutually agreeable timeline with you.
  3. Formal Quotation & Agreement: We will provide a formal quotation based on your specific service requirements, which must be reviewed and signed by both parties.
  4. Invoicing & Deposit: The University of Victoria will issue an official invoice. A 50% advance deposit is typically required prior to the commencement of work.
  5. Execution & Processing: We will handle all sample preparation, processing, and imaging as outlined in the agreed project scope.
  6. Deliverables & Final Settlement: Upon completion, we will generate and deliver your results, accompanied by the final 50% payment settlement.

2013, Université Laval, QC

Tremblay Lab Formation

Successfully initiated the activities of our lab.

2017, Université Laval, QC

Team Expansion and FIB-SEM acquisition

Welcomed many new talented members to our team, together with our first ZEISS Crossbeam system.

2020, University of Victoria, BC

Lab moving to BC and the start of the FIB-SEM services

Our lab moved to the University of Victoria, and we acquired a new ZEISS Crossbeam system.

As we have an extensive expertise in imaging a range of biological tissues, we started our FIB-SEM services for many collaborators around the world.

General Academic Estimated Pricing

Sample Preparation (IHC; 1 marker + Osmium processing)

$1,500

Block Preparation

$120/per block

Ultramicrotomy

$120/per block

Imaging

SEM: $120/hour
FIB-SEM: $150/hour

*Prices are subject to change according to sample type/complexity. All amounts are listed in Canadian Dollars (CAD). Please note that ultrastructural tests and FIB-SEM 3D reconstructions are subject to additional charges.