With the launch of this own space, another microscope with greater capabilities and capacity was added to sharpen the infinite studies of organic and inorganic materials. In addition, courses and training of students and researchers in the use and application of microscopy techniques will continue in the spaces of the new center.
„Since its inception 25 years ago, microscopy at UNNE has been a beacon of innovation in the region, a pioneer in the implementation of this technology in the country,” UNNE Rector Omar LaRosa highlighted in the opening speech. From Center for Electron Microscopy (CME) of UNNE
To fully understand the importance of having this characterization center in the region and what the functions of the Scanning Electron Microscope are, UNNE Medios contacted the Director of the recently launched Center for Electron Microscopy (CME). , Cristina Salgado, explains the idea in a very didactic way.
A scanning electron microscope is a tool that allows us to see structures on the order of nanometers, that is, very small structures, smaller than a micron. Now, what is a micron? A micron is one-thousandth of a millimeter, which means that with an electron microscope, very small structures can be seen that cannot be observed with a commonly used optical, common or light microscope. „Scientists, teachers or researchers to carry out their studies,” explained the researcher.
Salgado also recalled that the National University of the Northeast has had a scanning electron microscope for more than 20 years, which basically provides services to researchers dedicated to the study of natural sciences, especially those in the biological sciences.
„But in addition, we recently acquired another microscope that does electronic scanning with other capabilities and other capabilities. This new microscope allows us to expand the spectrum of samples to be studied; that is, it is common to carry out studies with objects connected to the biological sciences, but now, with the new acquisition , we can differentiate studies towards material science or engineering or architecture or the arts – for example- interventions in the restoration of works of art of paintings or sculptures”, highlighted the director of CEM-UNNE.
With a scanning electron microscope, nanostructures can be seen with optical magnification up to 10,000 times their size. A typical microscope only magnifies up to 1,000 times the object being studied.
From Electron Microscopy Service to New Center
For more than 20 years, the UNNE Scanning Electron Microscopy Service has provided sample preparation and electron microscopy observation services to the university community, institutions and companies in Argentina.
The service is always located in the facilities of UNNE's Faculty of Agricultural Sciences (Sargento Cabral Campus). „That is why, at the opening ceremony of CEM-UNNE, the current dean of that academic unit, the agronomist Mario Urbani, was publicly recognized,” explained UNNE's Secretary General of Science and Technology, Dr. Laura Leiva.
Currently, that state-of-the-art electron microscopy facility has been converted into a state-of-the-art Center for Electron Microscopy (CME), which has facilities for conducting research, generating knowledge and contributing to the development of science from UNNE.
CME-UNNE has adequate facilities to house two scanning electron microscopes and modern facilities for training human resources, conducting workshops and preparing specimens.
„Especially as a teacher and researcher at UNNE, the creation of this Electron Microscopy Center becomes integrated and relevant due to the importance of the scientific, technical and educational perspective it receives for our university,” admitted Director Cristina Salgado.
„I say this because not only will we train new students in the use of scanning electron microscopy and technologies that will serve new students' courses, scholarships, research and graduation, but we will continue to contribute to research projects implemented within the scope of our university,” said the teacher enthusiastically.
Due to CEM-UNNE's strategic position in the region, Salgado also highlighted that “we can provide services to other universities and institutions such as UNCAUS, UNaF, UNaM, Regional UTN de Resistencia. National Institute of Agricultural Technology (INTA) or INTI, is the National Institute of Technology. In addition to providing ongoing support to Coniset-NEA-dependent organizations, they are typically dual-dependant organizations; And clearly, to the institutions that are part of our university, such as UNNE's own institutions such as CEGAE (Center for Environmental Management and Ecology) or INICNE (Institute of Ichthyology of the Northeast).
Electron microscopy has been used as a research and analytical technique at our university for over 20 years.
CME-UNNE is located on the 2nd floor of the Faculty of Medicine building located in the Sargento Cabral campus. The center is in charge of Cristina Salgado, a research teacher working at CME, who works together with technicians Cecilia Alíndez – a graduate in biology – and Joaquín Quiroga, an agricultural engineer.
UNNE Secretary General of Science and Technology, Dr. Laura Leiva enthusiastically recognized this great achievement. “We are proud of this spacious inauguration facility of the UNNE Center for Electronic Microscopy. Here, model processing services will not only continue to be provided for subsequent studies, but progress will be made by providing training courses and workshops, and now, in its own and convenient educational space, we will certainly have the presence of lecturers. Professionals who provide continuity in training and scientific development in this line.
The Electron Microscopy Center is under the General Secretariat of Science and Technology of UNNE.
