Application Note
Atomic resolution imaging of hexagonal water ice
January 1, 2026
Life Sciences
Visualize cells, proteins, and pathogens in near-native states using advanced electron microscopy to overcome imaging limitations and drive biomedical innovation.
Driving breakthroughs in biomedical research
Life sciences research demands tools that can reveal the intricate architecture of cells, proteins, and pathogens. Traditional imaging methods often fall short—either lacking the resolution to capture fine details or requiring complex sample preparation. Electron microscopy (EM) overcomes these limitations, enabling researchers to visualize biological structures in near-native states with nanometer to atomic-level precision.
Why electron microscopy matters for life sciences
Biomedical breakthroughs depend on complex interactions among cells, proteins, and molecular assemblies. Our solutions help you:
- Resolve cellular ultrastructure and organelle organization with exceptional clarity.
- Visualize protein complexes and membrane proteins without crystallization.
- Capture transient molecular states critical for understanding disease mechanisms.
- Correlate structural insights with functional data to accelerate drug discovery.
Technologies to accelerate your research
Advanced microscopy and analytical techniques enable precise visualization of biological structures, uncovering critical structure–function relationships that accelerate discoveries in health and disease.
4D STEM
Captures a full diffraction pattern at each scan point, enabling high-resolution mapping of strain, orientation, and electric/magnetic fields
Cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM)
Reveals high-resolution structures of biomolecules in their native state—advancing fundamental insights into molecular function and interactions
Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)
Allows detailed microstructural analysis by mapping crystal orientations, phases, and grain boundaries
Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS)
Delivers atomic-scale insights into elemental composition and chemical bonding—enabling a deeper understanding of material properties
Energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS/EDX)
Facilitates rapid, reliable elemental analysis by detecting characteristic x-rays emitted from a sample, allowing researchers to identify and quantify elements
Imaging
Delivers high-resolution visualization of biological and inorganic specimens, enabling the study of ultrastructure, material growth, and failure mechanisms
In-situ
Captures real-time nanoscale dynamics under controlled stimuli to uncover fundamental mechanisms and accelerate scientific discovery
Integrated SEM
Combines EDS, EBSD, CL, BSE, and WDS into unified platforms—delivering comprehensive, high-resolution insights into complex materials
MicroED/3DED
Enables atomic-level structure determination from nanocrystals—ideal for samples too small for traditional x-ray methods
Enabling results that drive innovation
Unlock the power of electron microscopy with Gatan—explore cutting-edge applications and discover insights through detailed application notes that fuel scientific breakthroughs.
Application Note
EELS elemental mapping of cryogenically frozen mitochondria in human retinal ganglion cells
August 1, 2025
Application Note
Imaging 2D materials at low kV with Metro
August 1, 2024
Application Note
Imaging discrete ions at a liquid-solid interface using low-dose cryo-EM and electron counting
August 1, 2024
Application Note
Specimen surface and thickness effects on EDS mapping
July 1, 2024
Media Gallery
Immerse yourself in the world of scientific discovery—explore striking microscopy images that reveal the unseen, alongside webinars and tutorials showcasing Gatan technologies in action.
Transthyretin (55 kDa) resolved to 4.6 Å at 100 keV acquired with an Alpine™ camera on a Talos F200C (equipped with an SFEG) using CDS at ~5.2 e-/pixel/s. The study used a Gatan model 626 side-entry holder for all samples and Leginon for data acquisition. Data courtesy Gabe Lander, The Scripps Research Institute.
Aldolase (100 kDa) resolved to 3.07 Å at 100 keV acquired with an Alpine™ camera on a Talos F200C (equipped with an SFEG) at 45kx (0.851 Å/pixel) using CDS at ~5.2 e-/pixel/s, 100 ms frames, 10 frames/s. Samples were prepared by manual plunging samples onto glow discharged Quantifoil UltrAuFoil grids with 1.2 μm holes spaced 1.3 μm apart. The study used a Gatan model 626 side-entry holder for all samples and Leginon for data acquisition. Data courtesy Gabe Lander, The Scripps Research Institute.
Apoferritin (550 kDa) resolved to 2.7 Å at 100 keV acquired with an Alpine™ camera on a Talos F200C (equipped with an SFEG) at 45kx (0.851 Å/pixel) using CDS at ~5.2 e-/pixel/s, 100 ms frames, 10 frames/s. Samples were prepared by manual plunging samples onto glow discharged Quantifoil UltrAuFoil grids with 1.2 μm holes spaced 1.3 μm apart. The study used a Gatan model 626 side-entry holder for all samples and Leginon for data acquisition. Data courtesy Gabe Lander, The Scripps Research Institute.
(left) Selected area diffraction pattern of ZSM-5 was acquired with a 1.3 s exposure without a beam stop. (right) Profile of the diffraction spots showing high SNR for peak intensities varying over three orders of magnitude. Sample courtesy of Dr. Dos Reis, Northwestern University.
Frozen hydrated rotavirus
When combined with Latitude software, Alpine™ delivers high-quality data at the highest imaging throughputs from 100 – 200 keV.
Acknowledgement for header image: Data courtesy Gabe Lander, The Scripps Research Institute.