ABSTRACT
The observation technique using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) has become more versatile; therefore, the SEM is an indispensable tool for advanced research across several scientific disciplines, including biology. This chapter summarizes the role of the NanoSuit®during SEM observations. It introduces numerous living organisms belonging to various taxa directly into the harsh environment of an SEM to see how long they survived under a high vacuum. Morphological features were compared using two different preparations: specimens treated with the surface shield enhancer-NanoSuit® solution and specimens prepared by conventional methods for SEM observation. Plasma-irradiated specimens left in vacuo for 60 min. before SEM observation clearly showed features similar to the specimen electron beam irradiation by SEM ab initio: Drosophila larvae moved continuously, seemingly unharmed and without problems of electrical charging. Covering the living organisms with a layer of the mimicked extracellular substances, 1% Tween 20, polymerized by plasma or electron beam irradiation made the organisms highly tolerant to high vacuum.
