The electron microscopy laboratory at the Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick (IRF‑Frederick) has a variety of capabilities for the analysis of biological samples at an ultrastructural level. Specialized methods include transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), negative staining techniques and assays, immunogold labeling, and quantitation of biological samples.
Main Areas of Focus
The electron microscopy laboratory focuses on the analysis and diagnosis of virus-infected tissues, cells, supernatants, and purified preparations.
Capabilities
- Custom protocols based on specific sample types and study goals
- Fresh chemical fixatives and custom reagents
- Precise protocols and methods for sample preparation
- Analysis and scientific evaluation of tissues, cells, and suspension samples
- Immunolabeling and virus quantitation assays
- High-resolution digital images from transmission and scanning electron microscopes
- Data interpretation and analysis
- Publication-quality data reports and analyses
Left: Colorized transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of SARS-CoV-2 virus particles (orange) within an endosome of a Vero E6 cell (blue). Right: Colorized scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of CCL-81 cells (purple) infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus particles (green).
Left: Colorized transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of SARS-CoV-2 virus particles (orange) within an endosome of a Vero E6 cell (blue). Right: Colorized scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of CCL-81 cells (purple) infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus particles (green).
Left: Colorized scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Vero E6 cells (blue) chronically infected with Ebola virus (EBOV) particles (green). Right: Colorized scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a Vero E6 cell (orange) chronically infected with Ebola virus (EBOV) particles (green).
Left: Colorized scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of Vero E6 cells (blue) chronically infected with Ebola virus (EBOV) particles (green). Right: Colorized scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a Vero E6 cell (orange) chronically infected with Ebola virus (EBOV) particles (green).
Standards
All procedures are well-documented and adhere to standard operating procedures (SOPs), methods, or study-approved plans and agreements.
Collaboration Opportunities
- Studies relevant to human disease
- Use of surrogate systems to test clinical hypotheses
- Use of biological systems to answer questions regarding disease pathogenesis and strategies for intervention including antimicrobials, vaccines, and other countermeasures
- Developing and incorporating cutting-edge technologies to understand infectious diseases
Read more about how to work with the IRF-Frederick.
To explore an extensive gallery of images, including many generated through electron microscopy, visit NIAID’s Flickr account.
Location
Integrated Research Facility at Fort Detrick (IRF-Frederick)
Contact Information
Mike Holbrook, Ph.D.
Principal Scientist and Director of Biocontainment (Contractor)