Labordy Bioddelweddu Prifysgol Cymru The University of Wales Bioimaging Laboratory

General introduction to the laboratory

The University of Wales Bioimaging Laboratory (UWBL), established in 2002, is based on the refurbished electron microscope facility of the Institute of Biological Sciences, The University of Wales, Aberystwyth. To the JEOL 100CX TEMSCAN transmission electron microscope (TEM) and the JEOL 840 scanning electron microscope (SEM) have been added a Hitachi s-4700II field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and a Biorad confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM), both purchased from the BBSRC's JREI fund. Also available are fluorescence, polarising and interference contrast microscopes, as well as light microscope digitised image collection facilities. All the electron microscopes have digital image collection and all images are stored on a networked central image server. Comprehensive specimen preparation facilites include Leica AFS freeze substitution apparatus, cryostat, and four ultramictrotomes (one with a cryo-sectioning attachment). We have considerable experience in dealing with a vast range of specimens and are happy to discuss potential applications. Please contact us with any enquiries.

Some history

The electron microscope laboratory was set up originally, under the former Department of Zoology, in the mid 1960s. At that time it was equipped with an Akashi Tronscope TEM and a single LKB Ultrotome I ultramicrotome. In 1967 the Akashi was replaced by a 'state of the art' AEI EM6B. In the early 1970s we purchased a Cambridge 600 SEM, which was soon replaced with a Cambridge 150 SEM. During this period also was introduced freeze fracture and etching equipment (Polaron) as well as energy dispersive X-ray analysis facilities. In the 1980s a JEOL 100CX TEMSCAN and JEOL 840 SEM were added to the laboratory's equipment. During the early 1990s second hand AEI Corinth TEM and ISI 100A SEM instruments were added to the list (kindly donated by Prof A W Robards, of York University). These was followed by Link 860 energy dispersive X-ray analytical equipment and an ISI Mini-SEM as well as extra ultramicrotomes. All of these instruments were used extensively for the teaching of biological electron microscopy to a large number of students in what was the only full-time postgraduate MSc course in the subject in Europe. During this time we were extremely fortunate to have the services of Phil Lloyd, as the main electron microscopy technician, who could do wonders with repairing or designing instruments as well as obtaining ultrathin sections from near-on impossible to section material. He retired in July of 2002, after being in the laboratory from the very beginning and generations of students and staff will, with geat affection, wish him well in his retirement.

Some of the research work done over more than three decades include studies of cell adhesion, including the early immunocytochemical detection of actomyosin type proteins near to the cell surface. Other cellular studies included work on the process of cytokinesis in dividing serpulid oocytes, where new surface membrane sources were discovered. The late Professor Gwenolen Rees FRS carried out a number of studies into the nature of parasite cuticles, using the laboratory's facilities. Also many studies were carried out on the ultrastuructural anatomy of many marine invertebrates, as well a the relationships between the physiology and anatomy of fish endocrine organs. Investigations of meiotic chromosome structure were also carried out, as was the ultrastructure of articular cartilage in more recent years. More detailed accounts of this research can be found on the related research in bioimaging pages.