Acquisition of a confocal laser scanning microscopy system and a transmission electron microscope for the auxiliary Electron Microscopy Center

Abstract

Since its creation, in the 1980s, the CME, Electron Microscopy Center, has distinguished itself as one of the most organized microscopy centers in the country, being recognized by renowned researchers in the areas of biological sciences and of material sciences. Using conventional and advanced techniques of scientific investigation, the CME has met the needs related to instruction, research, and extension education, not only of the Biosciences Institute but also of other sectors on the Botucatu Campus of UNESP, for approximately 30 years. The Center also provides services to public and private entities in the off-campus community. The recent scientific production of researchers who are CME users has distinguished those researchers within the scientific community. The Center is located in the central region of the state of São Paulo, which makes it accessible to a great number of researchers from across the state. In addition, for the third consecutive year, the Botucatu Institute of Biosciences has received the UNESP award for outstanding scientific productivity. A large part of this production was the result of studies developed at the CME. Therefore, we are interested in increasing the level of technological innovation at the Center by acquiring an LSM 780 Quasar ZEN 2010 confocal laser scanning microscopy system, which will be the only of its kind in the state of São Paulo, as well as a new transmission electron microscope with a digital image capture system. To that end, we report that the Center is currently involved in associated and complementary projects conducted by researchers working at various institutions and departments, thus meeting the definition of a multi-user facility. As previously mentioned, the central location of the CME also promotes its use by multiple users. The necessary infrastructure is already in place, as are the human resources, although additional advanced support technicians will be hired. The UNESP administration has pledged its full, duly documented, support, and we believe that the acquisition of the abovementioned equipment will contribute considerably to the scientific and technological betterment of a great number of users, as well as to the training of highly qualified personnel, and will promote international cooperation among researchers. (AU)