In common with almost everything else over the last year or so, this year’s mmc will be rather different… In collaboration with the RMS we are running a series of workshops, virtual demos and have composed a variety of content on our virtual stand to visit this year.
Technical Showcase (Tuesday 6th July 2021)
UA-Zero: non-radioactive, uranium free staining
Within the TEM staining community, Uranyl Acetate has long been seen as the “gold-standard” for staining with the aim of acquiring high-quality images. The high electron density of the heavy metal Uranium within the complex allows users to get outstanding contrast images compared with other stains which has led to many favouring this over other alternatives, even given the inherent hazards associated with the radioactive substance.
In May 2019, Agar Scientific launched an all-new EM stain, UA-Zero, which boasted comparable image quality to traditional UA, and without changing the process protocols.
In this presentation we look at 2 case studies, highlighting the comparison of UA-Zero to UA and finally a real-world research example showing UA-Zero being used as a viable and quality alternative to Uranyl Acetate.
Workshop (Wednesday 7th July, 12.15 to 12.45)
Electron Microscopy: Preparing your sample for imaging and analysis
A large proportion of a microscopist’s time is consumed by sample preparation so the sample is in a suitable state whereby it is ready for imaging and analysis. The requirements for sample preparation vary widely depending on the intended application and the sample itself. Whether it be metal or rock, an integrated circuit, a tissue or cell culture, samples must be prepared and loaded on a support accepted by the microscope stage: slide, grid or stub.
Under a few circumstances, a sample can be loaded in its natural state, but whether the analysis is able to produce an accurate representation is debatable. In most cases, a sample preparation lab will follow a workflow, including: sampling, sample fixation, processing for imaging enhancement, sample embedding and sample loading.
Agar Scientific offers professional solutions to help the microscopist in every step of their sample preparation workflow. In addition, we manufacture and supply calibration specimens necessary to check the performance of the microscope, ensuring accuracy and reliability of the microanalysis.
Our virtual booth offers the opportunity for visitors to view a selection of our products and raise any questions with the team.
Demo Equipment:
We have an interesting range of specimen preparation equipment available for virtual demos at mmc2021 run by our technical sales team. These can be booked through calendly.com/agar-scientific.
NL50 Benchtop Nanoparticle Deposition System
A benchtop, one-touch nanoparticle deposition system suitable for any laboratory studying the applications of nanoparticles. The vacuum deposition process produces ultra-pure nanoparticles that are free of hydrocarbons or other contamination. The nanoparticle coating is deposited straight onto the substrate and after a typical cycle time of 30 minutes is ready for analysis with no further drying or purification steps required.
We will be joined by specialists from Nikalyte to run demonstrations of the NL50!
Manual Sputter Coater for SEM
An easy-to-use basic instrument for gold coating of SEM specimens.
A dedicated unit for routine coating of SEM and microprobe samples, where a conductive low atomic number coating is required.
WELL Precision Vertical Diamond Wire Saw
The WELL Precision Vertical Diamond Wire Saws produce smooth, sharp-edged surfaces on virtually any material. The 'cutting tool' is a stainless steel wire with diamonds embedded into the surface of the wire using a patented embedding process, ensures maximum cutting capability and long wire life.
Easiglow Discharge Cleaning System
The EasiGlow is a compact, stand-alone, easy to use discharge cleaning system primarily designed for surface modification of TEM support films. The system supports both hydrophilic and hydrophobic treatments for either a negative or positive charge and includes two separately controlled gas inlets.
Smartlam 2.0 Single Wheel Polisher/Grinder
The Smartlam 2.0 Single Wheel Polisher/Grinder is a professional, competitively priced, versatile system that can be configured with 200mm, 230mm, 250mm or 300mm platens.
PELCO® Tripod Polisher
The PELCO® Tripod Polisher™ 590 can be used to prepare a sample for both SEM and TEM cross-sectional analysis.
Agar Bacteria Buddies!
Back by popular demand - Agar Bacteria buddies! We will be giving these out to those who book a slot with our sales team. We only have limited numbers of these, so book your slot via calendly.com/agar-scientific while you can!
