Development and application of SEM/EDS in biological, biomedical & nanotechnological research

This comprehensive review discusses the development of scanning electron microscopy and the application of this technology in different fields such as biology, nanobiotechnology and biomedical science. Besides being a tool for high resolution imaging of surface or topography, the technology is coupled with analytical techniques such as energy dispersive spectroscopy for elemental mapping. Since the commercialization of the technology, it has developed manifold and currently very high-resolution nano scale imaging is possible by this technology. The development of FIB-SEM has allowed three-dimensional imaging of materials while the development of cryostage allows imaging of hydrated biological samples. Though variable pressure or environmental SEM can be used for imaging hydrated samples, they cannot capture a high-resolution image. SBEM and ATUM-SEM has automated the sampling process while improved and more powerful software along with user-friendly computer interface has made image analysis faster and more reliable. This review presents one of the most widely used analytical techniques used across the globe for scientific investigation. The power and potential of SEM is expanding with the development of accessory technology.