Hello, I'm working with pulsed electric field applied to lemongrass leaves to generate pores on the cell membrane to enhance essential oil extraction. I would like to know if there is a way to observe these pores formed after the PEF treatment. The target cells are located inside the leaf blade.
Thanks in advance.
No idea of leaves, however, I have done cross-sectional SEM for polymeric membranes with the thickness of around 80microns (which i guess is pretty close to the leaves). What i noted during SEM was, since the thickness is too small; using knife or blade to open the cross-section is not a good idea. Because you can not observe the "fracture area" after running a blade on the membrane. Either used FIB for cutting or tear your leave (if it is not elastic).
I wish it helps.
Hello,
In SEM, you have several options:
-The classic one: You fix with chemical (glutaraldehyde), dehydrate and dry. If the cut is nice, you can go for observation. If the cut is not nice, the dry sample is brittle. You can try to break it.
-The ESEM one (environmental SEM): because the chamber is at atmospheric pressure, you observe directly the fresh specimen. No chance to break it, just cut.
-The cryoSEM one: You freeze your sample with liquid nitrogen, introduce it into the cooled SEM trough a transfer chamber in which you can fracture your sample. The sample should not be big for fast freeze to preserve inside ultrastructure.
ESEM is a different machine from a classical SEM. I don't know how it is common in labs/facilities.
CryoSEM is a classical SEM with a cryoequipment (freezing system, cooled transfer station attached to the SEM, cooled sample holder in the SEM). no so common.
- Badges
- Science method