Hi Parameswaren, thanks for your question. The .txm file is a proprietary file format created by the Zeiss microCT system. Avizo has the ability to import this file format. You cannot create this file unless you have the instrument. However, Avizo will allow you to import and export data in a range of other open source formats (such as TIFF or DICOM). You can just select this from the drop down list in the save function. Hope that helps.

In general, we tend not to use adhesives to mount nanomaterials for SEM examination. As you can see in the video, we usually create a well-dispersed suspension of particles and deposit a drop of that suspension onto a clean, featureless (preferably conductive) substrate such as a silicon wafer. Once the suspension liquid fully evaporates, we then image the remaining nanoparticulate residue in the SEM.

Thank you!

Hi, good question. The answer however is complex. Avizo has tools for doing this (as do other software packages). Normally the process would be to undertake some pre-processing steps to prepare the data (filtering/denoising). Then you would need to move to pore identification (of which there are various methods). Tortuosity and permeability measures could then be applied to the result of the pore labels. I would suggest looking up some of the functionality for this in Avizo by visiting their KZbin channel. They have some videos on the study of pore structures including connectivity.

Thank you :)

Glad it was helpful!

The amount of nanoparticulate material required cannot be precisely specified. We generally advise individuals to bring approximately ~1g of (dry) nanoparticles, and only use a fraction of this amount for SEM or TEM examination. If the nanoparticles are suspended in liquid, then a concentration that alters the visual properties of the liquid (i.e., makes it ‘cloudy’) should be sufficient. It is always recommended to consult the microscopy specialist(s) with whom you are working for their recommendation. Because engineered nanomaterials are considered hazardous substances, only minimal quantities should be handled, and storage and handling should be done in accordance with local and federal safety guidelines and regulations.

You're most welcome

Glad it was helpful!

You are welcome :)

Glad to hear that :)

Welcome 😊

Great to hear!

Yes, samples need to be vacuum stable and should be fully dry before attempting to image them in a SEM. Even in an ESEM instrument, which can handle a certain degree of moisture, the SEM is only capable of imaging the surface of the sample, so will not be able to ‘see’ nanoparticles suspended inside a liquid.

Glad you liked it!

You're very welcome!

Glad it was helpful!

Glad you enjoyed it!

Hi Navnath, can you explain where you are having trouble?

Hi Simona, I'll check in with our Micro-CT team and see if they have a solution :)

Hi Simona, sounds like you only saved the binary label field (the coloured one) using the auto save project method you selected. Not sure what version of Avizo you are using, but when you save the project you should select the "pack and go" option in the "save as type" dropdown list before clicking save. The "greyish" coloured data is probably your original data. Just drag and drop (or other opening method) this back into Avizo and save it again. Personally, I avoid saving projects unless I have to these days. I prefer saving only the very necessary files separately. Otherwise, you can end up with a lot of unwanted data saved.

Glad it was helpful :)

Glad it helped!

Thanks!

Fixation is a term we use for the process of preserving the structure of biological samples from their in-vivo state so that the samples can be examined in as unaltered a state as possible. Biological samples containing nanoparticles should be fixed as appropriate for that specific tissue type. There are many types of fixation methods; it is important to review the literature and consult experts regarding the best approach for your specimen type. It can also be very helpful to experiment with a range of fixation methods with non-critical samples to determine the optimum method for your particular application.