Application of a FIB-STEM system for 3D observation of a resin-embedded yeast cell.

The combination of a focused ion beam (FIB) system and a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) has been applied to the three-dimensional (3D) observation of a resin-embedded yeast cell. Using a FIB microsampling technique, a sample with a thickness of tens of micrometres was extracted from a resin-embedded block sample. The extracted sample was transferred to a FIB-STEM-compatible specimen rotation holder and trimmed by FIB milling for 3D STEM observation. Although the FIB milling was carried out at an operating voltage of 40 KV, the sample was cross sectioned without forming a harmful damage layer on its surface. Cell structures, such as cell wall, cell membrane, mitochondria, peroxisomes, endoplasmic reticulum and vacuoles, were observed clearly in a pillar-shaped sample of 20 microm long, 4 microm wide and 3 microm deep.