Talos Transmission Electron Microscope Applications

Talos Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope applications
 

Thermo Scientific Talos Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopes ((S)TEMs) are designed to provide the fast, reliable, high-resolution information that researchers depend on for breakthroughs in materials science, semiconductors, and life sciences. Talos (S)TEMs enable researchers to gain a true understanding of the function and behavior of their samples through outstanding high-resolution (S)TEM imaging, advanced energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) signal detection, and 3D chemical characterization with compositional mapping via unique embedded detector solutions.

Materials science applications of the Talos (S)TEM

Talos Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopes ((S)TEMs) are crucial for materials science, as they provide insights into the structure, composition, and properties of materials down to the atomic scale. Direct visualization and analysis of microstructures, defects, interfaces, nanoparticles, and more, enable you to understand fundamental mechanisms governing material behavior, such as mechanical strength, morphology, electrical conductivity, and chemical reactivity.

 

Talos (S)TEMs are ideal for a wide range of materials research applications. From catalysis battery research to battery material discovery, metals to polymers, geological samples, to biomaterials and more, these innovative systems provide valuable insights into the structure, chemistry, and morphology of materials beyond the nanoscale. Experience high sample throughput and ease-of-use with automated features for tasks like nanoparticle counting and chemical analysis to drive advancements in your field.

Whatever your sample type may be, get the information you need efficiently and effectively with Talos (S)TEMs.

Engineered for versatility—Talos (S)TEMs support diverse applications, without compromising precision or adaptability.

Start strong with Talos (S)TEM—Tailored for ease-of-use and efficiency, Talos (S)TEMs empower both beginners and experts alike to generate high-quality data.

Confidence in consistency—Talos (S)TEMs ensure consistent results with increased automation that help to improve throughput, reliability, and user experience.

Your trusted TEM—Thermo Fisher Scientific is your committed partner. Have confidence in continuous innovation, robust support, and reliability on your TEM journey.

Life sciences applications of the Talos TEM

2D ultrastructural imaging of cells and tissues

Talos TEMs provide high-resolution imaging of intracellular structures from resin-embedded or cryogenically prepared thin sections of cells and tissues. Talos TEMs can also be used in STEM (scanning transmission electron microscopy) mode for increased image contrast.

 

A common pathology and biology technique is the identification and characterization of abnormalities in tissue samples. Ultrastructural imaging reveals the detailed organization of organelles, membranes, and other intracellular components. TEM is also used to investigate the development of tissues, providing insights into their growth and differentiation. In studies involving nanoparticles, TEM can observe the interaction of these particles with biological tissues, assessing their distribution, localization, and potential toxic effects.

 

TEM image of muscle tissue. The left image has a pixel size of 14.7 nm. The center image is a higher magnification view with a pixel size of 4.1 nm, taken of the cyan ROI in the left image. The right image is a higher magnification of the orange ROI with a pixel size of 0.82 nm.

3D cellular imaging at nanometer resolution

Electron tomography, powered by Thermo Scientific Tomography 5 Software, delivers detailed 3D structural information at the nanometer scale. This technique uses a series of 2D images, obtained at different tilt angles, to reconstruct a 3D model of the sample through computational algorithms.

 

Talos TEMs can provide detailed analysis of cellular structures, including organelles, the cytoskeleton, and membranes, as well as organelle morphology. 3D tomography is also used to visualize the 3D arrangement of proteins and large macromolecular complexes. 

Correlative light and electron microscopy

Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) is a technique that combines the high-resolution structural information of electron microscopy with the contextual information of fluorescence light microscopy. This integrative approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of biological processes and structures.

 

CLEM with Talos TEMs is powered by Thermo Scientific Maps 3 Software, which provides accurate and efficient data collection and correlation from the TEM and light microscope.

Negative stain imaging

Negative stain imaging is used to enhance the contrast of biological specimens, such as viruses, proteins, and other macromolecules, making them more visible under the TEM. The electron dense stain surrounds the sample, creating a high contrast envelope, or outline, against the background. This rapid and relatively simple method of contrast enhancement allows for the visualization of a specimen's shape and surface details, even at relatively low electron doses. This helps to preserve the integrity of delicate biological structures.

 

Negative stain imaging with the Talos TEM can be used as a standalone technique or to assess the quality of protein samples for single particle analysis.

Nanoparticle characterization

Characterization of nanoparticles by negative-stain or cryo-TEM provides detailed insights into their structure, size, morphology, and surface properties. This is critical for the accurate assessment of attributes in pharmaceutical research, including particle size distribution, morphology, empty/full classification, and particle aggregation.

 

Talos TEM workflows help ensure streamlined and accurate data collection and analysis for reduced time to results.

 

TEM analysis of empty/full AAV2 vectors, used to ensure the quality and efficacy of AAV2-based gene therapy products.

Cryo-electron microscopy

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) enables direct visualization of biological macromolecules, and the observation of biological systems in their native states, without the risk of artifacts from chemical fixation or negative staining. It is well suited for large protein complexes, molecular machines, and virus particles.

 

Cryo-EM is an optional addition for the Talos TEM. If you are interested in specifically expanding your cryo-EM capabilities, Thermo Fisher Scientific also offers a family of specialized cryo-TEMs.

Single particle analysis

Single particle analysis is a structural biology technique used to determine the 3D structures of macromolecules, such as ribosomes, membrane proteins, viruses, and nucleic acids, at near-atomic resolution. This cryo-EM method is performed by capturing images of individual particles frozen in a thin layer of vitreous ice.

 

Talos TEMs can be configured for cryo-EM applications, including single particle analysis. Specialized cryo-TEMs are also available for more dedicated cryo-EM techniques and workflows with higher throughput and resolution.

Cryo-EM single particle analysis examples. Left) AAV-2 capsid. Right) apoferritin.

Semiconductor analysis with the Talos (S)TEM

Demand for faster, smaller, power-efficient, and more interconnected devices continues to drive atomic-scale technology developments and the need for STEM analysis. With semiconductor inflections that incorporate advanced packaging schemes, new structures, and novel materials, transmission electron microscopes are invaluable for characterization, metrology and failure analysis. Designed to meet the needs of the semiconductor industry, the Thermo Scientific Talos F200E (S)TEM provides high-resolution STEM imaging, with minimal distortion, and repeatable, high-throughput performance for a wide range of semiconductor analysis applications.

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.