Correlative Imaging
Combining multiple imaging modalities to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the sample
By integrating the strengths of different imaging techniques, correlative imaging enables researchers to visualize and analyze structures and processes over different scales, from the molecular level to whole tissues. At Radboudumc EMC, we specialize in providing correlative imaging solutions that push the current boundaries of life science imaging. Our state-of-the-art imaging platforms and expertise allow us to bridge the gap between different imaging modalities, enabling our users to address complex biological questions.
Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM)
While light microscopy offers the possibility of labelling specific proteins and organelles for live imaging within a cell or tissue, it has limitations when it comes to providing nanoscale resolution, and does not provide the ultrastructural context of the observations. On the other hand, TEM does not give biochemical information on the observed structural details and does not allow the a-priori targeting of specific locations or events. CLEM bridges this gap by overlaying information from light microscopy with the high resolution images captured by an electron microscope to precisely locate a pre-defined target. This integration allows us to capture structural details of known labeled at (sub)nanometer resolution.
Room temperature and cryo modalities
We offer CLEM workflows at both room and cryogenic temperatures, tailored to the complexity of your research question. For room temperature applications, we utilize resin-embedded samples and combine fluorescence imaging with either TEM or FIB/SEM.
In addition, we recently developed a unique 3D cryoCLEM workflow that enables 3D correlation of cryofluorescence imaging with cryoFIB/SEM, capturing in a near-native biological features to visualize complex cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions.