The Histology and Electron Microscopy platform is focused on Electronic Microscopy (EM), namely sample preparation; conventional ultrastructural analysis in 2D; immunogold-labeling; negative staining ; elemental analysis - energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (STEM-EDS), and Optical Microscopy (OM) namely grossing, processing, embedding and sectioning; special stains; cryoprocessing and immunohistochemistry. The Histopathology service, within HEMS offers a full range of macroscopic and histopathology services, able to support research groups using animal models or human tissues in histopathology studies. The unit provides the equipment, technical support and guidelines to researchers needing high level electron and optical microscopy to tackle studies either of cells, tissues or material sciences, not only for i3S and the University of Porto, but also outside institutions for industry and companies’ users. HEMS can help to define optimal experimental conditions for the research as wells to participate in the projects. Besides the training courses for researchers, masters and PhD programmes, the unit also offers internships for higher education students. Currently, the unit is engaged in workshops or exhibitions for the general public organised by the i3S Communication Unit. 

Histology Equipment

• Cryostat Leica CM 3050S
• Light microscope Olympus DP 25 Camera Software Cell B
• Paraffin microtome Microm HM335E
• Modular embedding system Microm STP 120-1
• Tissue Chopper McILwain EC350
• Paraffin tissue processor Microm STP 120
• Vibratome - LEICA VT 1200S

Electron Microscopy Equipment

• Transmission Electron Microscope Jeol JEM 1400 with STEM detector and EDS system
• Ultramicrotome Leica Reichert SuperNova
• Ultramicrotome PT RMC RMC PowerTome PC=XL
• Light microscope Zeiss Primo-Star
• Knifemaker Leica Glass

Histology services

• Grossing & Processing & Embedding & Sectioning
• H&E staining
• Special stains (monochromatic / polychromatic)
• Histology image analysis
• Cryosectioning        
• Cytobloks/Histogel 
• Optimization of immunohistochemistry and/or Immunocytochemistry
• Tissue sections for DNA extraction

Electron microscopy services

• Conventional ultrastructure
• Immunoelectromicroscopy
• Negative and cytochemistry stains
• Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectrometry (EDS)
• Grossing &Processing & Embedding & Sectioning
• Consultation in tissue analysis.

Required training will be provided to equipment users, that includes:

• Rules for using the equipment;
• General laboratory safety rules applied to processes.

PPBI – Portuguese Platform of BioImage