ZEISS SIGMA 3VIEW SERVICE CONTRACT WITH 3 OPTION YEARS

The National Institute on Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), Laboratory of Cellular Imaging and Macromolecular Biophysics (LCIMB), Cellular and Supramolecular Structure and Function (CSSF) Section requires a service contract for the Zeiss SIGMA-VP scanning electron microscope (SEM) with a variable pressure (VP) capability and with the 3View capabilities. The 3View system allows us to perform insitu cutting of at least 25 nm serial plastic sections while imaging with a special highly sensitive detector in the SEM. The data acquired by this technique is used to visualize cellular structures and organelles in 3D, which is one of the most desired methods used by our collaborators. Only experienced Zeiss engineer can service this equipment, provide the parts or advice on the usage. We also depend on Zeiss engineers to assist us when the problem is resolvable remotely. To have Zeiss engineer arrive, service the equipment and provide new parts on site without this service contract will cost us significantly higher.

Researchers across the NIH are using the Zeiss SIGMA-VP scanning electron microscope (SEM) with a variable pressure (VP) capability with 3View capabilities.  This instrument is situated in NIBIB’s BEPS Shared Resource, where it is used to study the three-dimensional structure of cells and tissues using the serial block face (SBF) imaging technique using an ultramicrotome built into the specimen chamber of the SEM. The research enabled by the 3View SIGMA SEM includes the three-dimensional structure determination of (1) endocrine tissues including insulin-secreting beta cells and glucagon-secreting alpha cells as well as micro-capillaries in pancreatic islets of Langerhans, (2) neuronal tissues of the retina, and (3) cochlear tissues of the inner ear (4) blood platelet basic structural characterization, etc.  The instrument is used by scientists in many NIH institutes and centers including: NIBIB, NINDS, NICHD, NHLBI, NCI, NIDDK, NIDCD, and NEI as well as extramurally. It is essential to keep the instrument running at the highest level of performance.

1. Protect premium SIGMA System

2. Protect premium VP FESEM/XB

3. Protect premium 3View