The new “field-emission environmental scanning electron microscope” (FE-ESEM) at the LZH is especially suitable for the analysis of implant materials.

The Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V (LZH) has started using a new special microscope suitable for improved investigation of micro- and nanostructured implants. The so called “field-emission environmental scanning electron microscope” (FE-ESEM) is a special version of the scanning electron microscope (SEM). In contrast to the SEM, the new microscope does not need to work in a full vacuum. Accordingly, it is especially suitable for non-conductive or wet samples like biological tissue, nano-stimulated cells etc.

At the LZH, the FE-ESEM will primarily be used for the analysis of implant material for the cochlea of the inner ear. Since the microscope works under low gas pressure, as opposed to the full vacuum of the SEM, sample cells are not damaged during microscopic examination. In addition, the preparation of samples for the FE-ESEM is less complex than for the SEM, since they need neither contrast agents, nor must they be electrically conductible.

In addition to biological samples, the new microscope will also be used for the analysis of nanostructures and nanoparticle-solutions. Thus, it forms an important tool for the development of nanosystems for medical sciences.

The new unit is part of a project of the LZH and the Leibniz Universität Hannover (LUH) in cooperation with the Hannover Medical School (MHH), the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TiHo), the University in Rostock and the RWTH Aachen, within the framework of the special research field Transregio 37. The project is entitled “Micro- and Nanosystems in Medical Science – Reconstruction of biological functions.”