Purchase of a GeminiSEM 450 with ATUMtome

The National Centre for Cellular Imaging (CCI), University of Gothenburg, provides state-of-the-art instrumentation together with highly specialized technical and scientific competence to many scientists in different research areas. All CCI's microscopes have been selected to enable transferring of samples/data easily among the microscopes. The CCI needs to replace a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with a user-friendly automated system possessing more technically versatile features suitable for high-end multiuse. The SEM system that needs to be acquired shall include hardware/software for 3D array tomography and an automatic tape collecting ultramicrotome, please read description further below.

Huvudsaklig plats för byggnation/anläggning eller utförande: Sahlgrenska academy in Gothenburg.

This purchase involves one (1) scanning electron microscope, one (1) 3D array tomography, one (1) automatic tape collecting microtome and one (1) service contract.

Förklaring:

The National Centre for Cellular Imaging (CCI) at the University of Gothenburg provides state-of-the-art instrumentation together with highly specialized technical and scientific knowledge to many scientists within different research fields. All CCI's microscopes have been selected to enable transferring of samples/data easily among the microscopes. The CCI needs to replace a scanning electron microscope (SEM) with a user-friendly automated system possessing more technically versatile features suitable for high-end multiuse. The SEM system will be used in specific life-science research projects (individual as well as joint research) requiring a complete workflow — from sample preparation to image reconstruction — enabling 3D array tomography, allowing automated and unattended large-area acquisition at multiple scales and resolutions for many days: fast sectioning of several thousand ultrathin sections with an automatic tape-collecting ultramicrotome; Correlative microscopy, the same sample can be pre-scanned in CCI's light microscopes, afterwards position raw-data are transferred to the SEM for high resolution imaging, using an energy selected backscattered detector. The array-tomography software must allow large data handling, enable automated imaging of array-tomography section series and control important microscope parameters, like focus and stigmation, allowing stable operation for several days. A system fulfilling these requirements is crucial for e.g. research aiming to unravel the complex 3D architecture of cells/tissues in their natural context, and understanding the structure/function correlation in biological systems. The CCI has examined the market based on its needs, and have found that only one SEM system possesses the necessary technical features. The supplier of the SEM system holds an exclusive right to sell an automatic tape-collecting ultramicrotome (ATUMtome) together with its SEM and 3D array-tomography imaging software as a complete package. Referring to above reasons, the CCI at the University of Gothenburg intends to award a contract to Carl Zeiss for the purchase of GeminiSEM 450 3D together with ATUMtome.

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