Microscopy enables scientists to observe a sample and to understand what is happening in it. One therefore wants to observe the sample as it is, with as little (little?) artefacts as possible. Many microscopic methods such as SEM or TEM would require to dry the sample while keeping its structure as close to its natural state as possible. Using freeze-drying to assure the retention of structural properties in sample preparation for microscopy analysis with SEM and TEM is a well established application.
When a wet specimen is dried by normal evaporation, distortion occurs due to the due to the rapid phase transition from liquid to vapor phase. This is not ideal when performing microscopic analysis, since the sample should remain as close to its natural state as possible. With freeze drying, the specimen is maintained in its frozen state and by applying a vacuum, the frozen water is removed by sublimation, avoiding thereby the liquid phase and reducing the distortion and shrinkage happening by evaporation.
Below are some examples of publications using BUCHI Lyovapor equipment for the preparation of samples prior to microscope observation.
Structural, macro- and micro-mechanical properties of supramolecular bi-component l-Lysine-sodium tetraphenyl borate based hydrogels
The effects of osmium tetroxide post-fixation and drying steps on leafy liverwort ultrastructure study by scanning electron microscopy
Do you have a specific question regarding sample preparation prior to microscope analysis? We have specialists who will quickly and efficiently provide you with competent application support or a feasibility study specifically tailored to your needs. Get in contact with our team via application@buchi.com or or find out when our next training takes place. | 
