MICROSCOPY AUSTRALIA RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS 2018
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MICROSCOPY AUSTRALIA RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS 2018
We invite you to explore how our
collaborative research infrastructure
empowers discovery and innovation.
See how this new knowledge
can deliver a healthier and more
prosperous Australia.
CONTENTS
NEWS FROM THE TEAM 2
STATS 4
NETWORK 6
EQUIPMENT & EXPERTISE 8
TECHNIQUE DEVELOPMENT 10
AUSTRALIAN NANOTECH – BUILDING BUSINESS 12
SUPPORTING MEDTECH & PHARMA 14
STORIES AND STRUCTURES – NEW CONNECTIONS 16
IMC19 18
GLOBAL BIOIMAGING – EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCE 20
FUTURE DIRECTIONS 21
RESEARCH OUTCOMES & SOCIAL IMPACT 22 – 43
CONTACTS 44
Image: Electron backscatter diffraction of a high entropy alloy.
Dr Mehdi Eizadjou, Lena Frommeyer, Prof. Simon Ringer and Prof. Gerhard Wildetoo.
Cover image: Autofluorescent confocal image of a living Melaleuca (paperbark) leaf.
30μm
Area is approximately 1mm across. Paul Rigby.
MINISTER CHAIR CEO
Senator the Hon. Dan Tehan, Dr Gregory R. Smith Prof. Julie Cairney
Minister for Education and Training Chair of Board Chief Executive Officer
NEWS FROM I want to congratulate Microscopy Australia 2018 has been a very significant year Microscopy Australia proudly launched its Our users rely heavily on access to This budget provided a welcome
for this organisation. Most notably Stories and Structures – New Connections our sophisticated microscopy facilities investment in our National Collaborative
on what has been a busy and successful year. it has involved a name change with exhibition this year. The event was to do world-leading research. With Research Infrastructure Strategy, including
the former Australian Microscopy introduced to the public during Sydney’s surveys indicating that more than 90% $15M above business as usual for
The Morrison Government is committed to supporting
THE TEAM
and Microanalysis Research Facility 2018 Vivid Ideas festival. It has since of users are satisfied with our services, Microscopy Australia. This investment, in
industry, business and the research sector as it drives becoming the more user-friendly, commenced a tour of the country. it is with some trepidation that we have conjunction with substantial co-investment
innovation across Australia. simpler-named Microscopy Australia. By contrasting high resolution microscopy changed our long-established ‘AMMRF’ from our host universities and state
images with traditional forms of imagery brand to Microscopy Australia. The new governments, will support our new five-
The 19th International Microscopy
Microscopy Australia continues to empower research for Congress (IMC) came to Sydney in 2018.
produced by noted Aboriginal artists, the name is simple and descriptive and we year investment strategy.
exhibition provides a unique event that is feel that it clearly conveys our vision
social impact that is vital to our future economic prosperity. This four-yearly event is effectively a global
attracting wide interest. and purpose. The response amongst
This plan includes much-needed
You produce leading edge research across a wide variety Olympics of Microscopy. Since 2010, a
our stakeholders and users alike has
investment in important emerging
local organising committee had sought Very pleasingly, the inclusion of microscopy technologies including
of fields, while launching your new name and branding and to win the IMC for Australia. It made very Microscopy Australia in the Federal
been overwhelmingly positive and I am
atomic-scale microscopy, cryo-electron
confident that it will serve us well into
exploring new and exciting ways to share your successes – strong submissions both in Rio de Janeiro Government’s NCRIS 2018 budget
the future.
microscopy and high-sensitivity
both here in Australia and around the world. (2010) and in Prague (2014), at which time round was announced before the microanalytical tools. Access to these
the Sydney bid for 2018 was successful. last financial year ended. A multi-year As we approach the end of 2018, we capabilities and the associated expertise is
Your collaboration with the Powerhouse Museum for the Ultimately, a very highly regarded co-investment strategy now enables the reflect on a very significant year. Along with crucial for Australia to maintain a world-
international conference and exhibition acquisition of major new instruments our name change, other highlights include leading position in geoscience, medical,
Stories and Structures – New Connections exhibition, as part was run in Sydney last September with at various Microscopy Australia nodes. our participation in the organisation of the biological, materials, plant and nano
of the 2018 Vivid Ideas program, explored an interesting link over 2,000 participants. Microscopy These new microscopy techniques and 19th International Microscopy Congress sciences. A small increase in our federal
between the world of art and the world of research. Australia played a significant part at this related capabilities will permit Microscopy in Sydney in September, the launch of the operational funding has also provided an
IMC event. Australia to continue supporting a world- Stories and Structures – New Connections opportunity for us to expand the national
I wish Microscopy Australia every success in 2019 and As part of our international partnership
leading position in technologies including exhibition and associated Vivid Ideas network by supporting open access to
geoscience, medical, biological, materials, event, and of course, good news in the infrastructure and technical experts at
beyond. Keep up the good work. with Global Bio-Imaging (GBI), Microscopy
and horticulture. Most critically, this NCRIS May budget. a new partner facility in Victoria. As we
Australia worked with GBI and the National
round has also funded the inclusion of a expand into Victoria, we think our new
Imaging Facility to organise and host three
new Victorian node to join the Microscopy name reflects the wider reach of our
highly successful workshops in Sydney
Australia partnership. Monash University national facility.
after the IMC. These brought bioimaging
has been selected and will be brought on
managers and staff together from around
board in 2019.
the world to share their knowledge,
experience and best practices.
MICROSCOPY AUSTRALIA | 2018 | 2 – 3
STATS
233
INSTRUMENTS
RESEARCH
COMMUNITY
BIG NEWS
3,900
2018
USERS 50% PHYSICAL & MATERIALS This year’s • Our team made major
contributions to the
34% BIOMEDICAL standout Australian microscopy
120+
community at IMC19 –
16% GEOSCIENCE & ENVIRONMENT achievements the world’s largest
include: microscopy conference.
INDUSTRY CLIENTS • Launch of our rebrand with
• Hosted and helped organise
three Global BioImaging
a focus on research outcomes workshops in Sydney.
268,000 and the idea “There is so
much more to see”. • Amazing new experts have
joined the team.
HRS BEAMTIME
Image: Neurons from Stem Cells - Confocal | Jianyun Gao
• Five years of certainty
SUPPORTING around operational funding • Launched new modules
DIVERSE + $15M on top of business and content on MyScope,
as usual funding. our online learning resource:
160,000 INDUSTRIES
• Launched some of Australia’s
www.myscope.training.
MYSCOPE USERS
highest resolution microscopes. • Selection of Monash University
as our new Victorian facility.
• Stories and Structures –
New Connections exhibition, • Continued to enable great
1,400+
juxtaposing micrographs with research – check out this
41% MANUFACTURING Indigenous art was launched year’s inspiring highlights
22% BIOMEDICAL and is now touring Australia. pg 22 – 43.
PUBLICATIONS 37% RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENT
MICROSCOPY AUSTRALIA | 2018 | 4 – 5
SPECIALISTS
NETWORK
JAMES
COOK
UNIVERSITY
TEAM
L I A N C E NT R
RA E
T
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AU S
FO
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USYD
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MICR
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Our people are the driving force of F O R MI CR O ELECTRON
RE S CO
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NA
PY A
Microscopy Australia. A team of skilled ICRO
ABS
&M
T
CO
C EN
PY
specialists are keen to share their
knowledge, offering personalised support UQ UNSW
and training. These are just a few of our I IC I
MI N
C R O A N A LY S
M
T
&
S
ROS
team photographed at various events. COPE U
QUEENSLAND
Thanks to all of you. CURTIN
UNIVERSITY FACILITIES UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY
F O R MI CR OS CEN
TRE FOR
RE
T
CO
C EN
PY
UWA ANU
CHAR
IS
LY S
H AUSTRAL
Y
AD
UT
OP
TE I AN
AC
NA
RIS A SC
V
CED
ATI O N & MICRO
SO
AN
SARF
RESEARCHERS CSIRO EG
LIT
R
Y
IO N
AUSTRALIAN A L FA CI
ANIMAL RMIT
HEALTH UNIVERSITY
LABORATORY
TRAINERS
MICROSCOPY AUSTRALIA | 2018 | 6 – 7
EQUIPMENT
AND
EXPERTISE SPECIMEN
PREPARATION
Biological & Materials
Cell Culturing &
LIGHT & LASER
TECHNIQUES
Fluorescence, Confocal
& Multiphoton Microscopy
SCANNING ELECTRON
MICROSCOPY
Imaging & Analytical
Spectroscopy
TRANSMISSION
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
Imaging & Analytical
Spectroscopy
Microscopy Australia empowers research by providing Molecular Preparation Super Resolution Microscopy In-situ Imaging & Testing Cryo-techniques
Thermomechanical Processing Analytical Spectroscopy Cathodoluminescence & Tomography
open access to sophisticated instruments and expertise for
Ion Milling & Machining Flow Cytometry Electron Backscatter Diffraction Phase & Z-contrast Imaging
researchers around the country. Our dedicated staff ensure
Ion Implantation Laser Microdissection Electron Diffraction
that researchers collect high quality data. Our range of
specialised techniques is summarised here.
Our online microscopy training tools are also openly accessible with
over 160,000 users worldwide in the last year alone.
With the nation’s largest range of high-end microscopes and
specialists, we also support business across a wide range of
industry sectors. Companies of all sizes, from start-ups to multi-
nationals, benefit from our services, training and R&D partnerships.
ION & SPECTROSCOPY SCANNED PROBE X-RAY VISUALISATION
PLATFORMS TECHNIQUES TECHNOLOGIES & SIMULATION
Secondary Ion Atomic Force Microscopy X-ray Diffraction Computed Spectroscopy
Mass Spectroscopy Scanning Tunneling Microscopy X-ray Fluorescence Computed Diffraction
Imaging Mass Spectroscopy Near-field Scanning X-ray Micro & Image Simulation & Analysis
Atom Probe Optical Microscopy Nanotomography Data Mining
LA-ICP-MS
Image: Colour-enhanced TEM of a crocodile salt gland
MICROSCOPY AUSTRALIA | 2018 | 8 – 9
SYDNEY – ATOMIC-SCALE A snapshot of the
STUDY OF QUASICRYSTALS technique development
Quasicrystals have an ordered structure,
as do ‘conventional’ crystals. However, the
work by our expert staff
pattern of atoms doesn’t keep repeating – providing Australian
itself in the same way as it would in a normal
crystal. Quasicrystals were discovered by researchers with
Dan Shechtmen in 1982 and were considered
very contentious at the time, causing ridicule constantly improving
of him as a scientist. But his expertise in
transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and
tools. All these advances
his persistence and tenacity, meant that he were presented at IMC19.
was able to prove the existence
of quasicrystals. ANU ANU SYDNEY
TECHNIQUE
In 1991 the International Union of Optimising automated systems for correlative Testing traditional assumptions to Working out atom probe parameters to
Crystallography rewrote the definition light and electron microscopy for studies into find the most practical and efficient enable analysis of complex biomineralised
of ‘crystal’ to: diabetes, malaria and cancer. approach to elemental analysis. samples like bone and shell.
“any solid having an essentially discrete diffraction
diagram”. Quasicrystals are now a popular field of
study in materials science and engineering.
DEVELOPMENT
Quasicrystals can exist alongside ‘conventional’
crystals in various different materials but to
date there has been no coherent approach to
the analysis of both structural types in a single
sample. The analytical expertise of Drs Anna
Ceguerra, Hongwei Liu and Magnus Garbrecht
at Microscopy Australia’s University of Sydney
facility, has focused on developing a calculation
method that simplifies analysis of the relationships
between quasi- and conventional crystals. This
enables exploration of the relative orientations of
the crystals and can shed light on the behaviour
and properties of these materials.
The team’s ‘crystallographic calculator’ allows UQ UQ FLINDERS CURTIN
the structures and orientation of all the crystals
Repurposing electron beam lithography Discovering how microwave radiation Developing an internet-based initiative for Relating particle morphology to
in a sample to be understood from both TEM
instruments to enable precision improves sample preparation procedures. atomic force microscopy (AFM) calibration automated X-ray diffraction (XRD)
and atom probe data. This improves the current
scanning electron microscopy (SEM) across three countries; enabling direct specimen preparation parameters for
analysis methods and supports research into new
imaging of large areas. comparison of AFM data from researchers optimal results.
and complex areas of materials science using our
around the world.
advanced microscopes.
M I C R O S C O P Y A U S T R A L I A | 2 0 1 8 | 10 – 11
AUSTRALIAN
The Graphene Manufacturing Group (GMG)
is an award-winning Brisbane-based global
The analysis done for us at Microscopy
Australia’s University of Sydney facility has
This enables us to adjust operating windows
during our manufacturing process and directly
CLIENT BASE
technology business empowering innovation been instrumental in both the process and link the characteristics of our graphene with & PRODUCT
across industries through the bulk supply of product design of our graphene. It allows tangible customer outcomes.
APPLICATIONS
NANOTECH ––
graphene. GMG began operations in August us to streamline improvements before and
2016 from their pilot plant, realising their vision
to unlock the incredible variety of applications
during production as well as confirming post-
production efficacy.
This independent analysis is also essential
for us in building successful relationships with INCLUDE:
for graphene, that until now, have been our current and future customers and with
Via scanning and transmission electron our investors.
CONCRETE
BUILDING
restricted to research labs.
microscopy, Microscopy Australia has enabled
The team at GMG have engineered a unique us to understand our graphene by providing: We now have confidence to better understand
the improvement mechanisms required
and flexible continuous process that delivers
high quality graphene at a fraction of the cost – sizes and morphology of the carbon for multiple applications of the wonderous EPOXY RESIN
BUSINESS
of existing production methods. The process structures we were producing product we produce.” Craig Nicol, Founder,
Managing Director and CEO.
can be tailored to precisely align with GMG’s
clients’ needs for their different applications.
– quantifying our graphene layers (along with MEDICAL DEVICES
Raman analysis from Sydney Analytical) GMG’s success sees them constructing of one
“Our innovative production process is world- of the largest graphene plants in the world in
leading, so it is essential to understand exactly
– confirmation of the crystalline structure of early 2019. BITUMEN
our graphene.
what we are manufacturing.
Graphene is a single sheet form of carbon POLYMERS
that is only one atomic layer thick. It is the
strongest material ever tested and efficiently
Competitor’s (above) vs GMG’s Graphene (below)
BATTERIES
conducts heat and electricity. FOR ELECTRIC
VEHICLES
DEFENCE
MATERIALS
COATINGS
SOLAR CELLS
METALS
100nm 100nm
TEM images of two GMG graphene samples
M I C R O S C O P Y A U S T R A L I A | 2 0 1 8 | 12 – 13
SUPPORTING
MEDTECH LAUNCHED 2018
MICROSCOPY AUSTRALIA AN INTERVIEW
& PHARMA TECHNICAL VOUCHER FUND WITH LG PHARMA
The Microscopy Australia Technical Voucher Fund has been established Little Green Pharma (LGP) is a privately “Engaging with Microscopy Australia,
with the support of MTPConnect, the Industry Growth Centre for medtech held pharmaceutical start-up founded in through their facility at UNSW, we have been
and pharma. The scheme aims to provide easy, discounted access to 2016 in Perth, WA. After securing the able to validate the physical makeup of some
our sophisticated instruments and expert technical help for this important necessary permits and establishing of our novel investigational formulas. This work,
industry. It is designed to reduce barriers and provide industry with access to manufacturing partnerships in 2017, LGP supported by a Microscopy Australia Technical
analytical tools and experts with problem-solving capabilities. Solutions can became the first company to produce and Voucher, was very timely, as we were able to
be tailored to the specific research needs of both SME and large companies. bring 100% Australian-made pharmaceutical- use world-class resources, including the new
grade medicinal cannabis formula to the Talos Arctica cryo-EM instrument to image
Our wide-ranging techniques can help medtech industries understand the Australian market. our samples.”
structure, function and properties of molecules, cells and materials whether
“While ensuring supply of our currently available Lilly Bojarski,
they are structural proteins, antibodies, drugs, drug delivery systems,
formula (to prescribing physicians for patients Medical Science Liaison (NSW)
biomaterials, alloys, ceramics, nanoparticles or polymers.
who meet the criteria set out by their state health “We have subsequently been granted another
authority regulations and via the TGA’s Special voucher to continue our research. This will
ammrf.org.au/industry-services Access Scheme B) we are also committed to enable LGP to monitor our formulas for any
developing new pharmaceutical-grade medicinal degradation during various storage conditions.”
(Microscopy Australia website in progress)
cannabis formulations of quality and efficacy for
Damian Wood,
Australians with unmet clinical needs.”
Head of Pharmaceuticals
Fleta Solomon, CEO
“LGP is continuing to engage with academic
“We are currently producing our LGP Classic research partners to develop novel approaches
10:10 oil oral liquid formulation, where each mL to delivering cannabinoid-containing formulas
contains 10mg THC and 10mg CBD derived as efficiently as possible for maximum
from medicinal cannabis whole plant extract. clinical effect. We intend to maintain our
THC and CBD in a 1:1 ratio is a common association with Microscopy Australia as we are
starting point for practitioners. We are also committed to continuing R&D in the medicinal
continuing to expand and improve our range of cannabis space.”
100nm available formulas by engaging with academic
and other partners to conduct pre-clinical Lilly Bojarski,
and clinical development R&D work with new Medical Science Liaison, (NSW)
medicinal cannabis formulations, including many
Cryo EM image of cannabinoid-containing liposomes for which we have secured IP protection.”
Damian Wood,
Head of Pharmaceuticals
M I C R O S C O P Y A U S T R A L I A | 2 0 1 8 | 14 – 15
60,000 YEARS OF TRADITION
MEET THE MICROSCOPIC WORLD
We recently created a touring exhibition of
micrographs and associated Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander artworks. Funded by external
sponsorship and curated by Microscopy Australia,
it aims to engage all Australians with science and
Indigenous cultures in new ways.
This exhibition explores images that pass on
knowledge and shape our understanding of the world.
Rich visual parallels between the representations seen
in many Indigenous artworks and the microscopic
structures hidden in the natural world, reveal
unexpected and intriguing similarities. This delivers
a new vision of our country and its stories. We hope
that these images will open conversations and provide
opportunities to make new and lasting connections
across disciplines and across cultures. Visit the website to view the full exhibition,
tour dates and hosting information.
Images: Sperm Growing in a Moth Testis | Greg Rouse Download the exhibition book at:
Witchetty Grub Dreaming | Jennifer Napaljarri Lewis micro.org.au/storiesandstructures
M I C R O S C O P Y A U S T R A L I A | 2 0 1 8 | 16 – 17IMC19
STEM OUTREACH AREA INDIGENOUS CULTURE RESPONSE
“Innovations in microscopy enable us to
extend our understanding of ourselves and
the world around us. IMC19 brought together
leaders in both the development and the
application of microscopy in a huge
The Australian Microscopy & Microanalysis range of disciplines”
Society (AMMS) hosted the 19th International Prof. Simon Ringer
Microscopy Congress (IMC19) in September Congress Chair
at the International Convention Centre,
Sydney. Microscopy Australia staff were “An investment in this field (microscopy)
heavily involved in getting the Congress to is an investment in nanoparticles that target
such things as a drug directly to malignant
Australia, organising the meeting and its cells; 3D printed lattices that act like tiny
diverse scientic program. factories for T-cells; vital in the new generation
of cancer immunotherapies and more.
Without Microscopy, there is no modern
science – end of story.”
Dr Alan Finkel
The Learning Space was a free, four-day Microscopy Australia enriched the Australia’s Chief Scientist
2,100+ DELEGATES FROM 48 COUNTRIES school science program at the Congress, 4 DAYS IMC19 visitor experience with Australian IMC19 opening address
initiated by the corporate members of AMMS Indigenous culture, live art and music.
2,000+ PRESENTATIONS and supported by a bevvy of volunteers 25+ VOLUNTEERS The Stories and Structures – New Connections “This was a great STEM initiative by
from microscopy vendors, universities, the
150 INVITED TALKS Australian Science Teachers Association 19 SCHOOLS
exhibition brings 60,000 years of visual IMC19 and an amazing experience for the
tradition and storytelling into dialogue with students who came. We don’t have these
and museums around Darling Harbour. As
450 ORAL PRESENTATIONS a corporate member of AMMS, Microscopy 570 STUDENTS
scientific imaging and was on show at the microscopes at our school and without
Congress. One of the exhibition artists, Kurun the IMC19 Outreach Program, most of
Australia contributed both volunteers and
800 POSTERS organisers to the Learning Space. 4 SEM’S
Warun, attended the IMC trade show at the our students wouldn’t be able to use this
invitation of Microscopy Australia. He used this equipment. Our students are engaged;
2 NOBEL LAUREATES 570 students from 19 schools were enthralled
20 LIGHT MICROSCOPES
unique international platform to share his art they are learning directly from experts.”
MICROSCOPY AUSTRALIA – by hands-on experience with microscopes, a 3D and culture live onsite.
70 COMPANIES IN TRADE EXHIBITION RECHARGE LOUNGE virtual reality visualisation of the inside of a cell,
VR For more on Stories and Structures –
Mrs Diane Fairweather
and 3D printer demonstrations. Head of Science,
New Connections visit the website:
INTRODUCED DIGITAL POSTERS The new Microscopy Australia identity was launched Congratulations to the outreach team jointly 3D PRINTING
Riverstone High School
at IMC19. Our Recharge Lounge was very popular with micro.org.au/storiesandstructures
coordinated by Benjamin Pace and Eleanor
delegates and recognition of the new name grew quickly Kable with a bunch of amazing volunteers keen
as our branded bags and notebooks flew off the shelves. Equipment and demonstrations were
to share their knowledge. It was great to see supported by Microscopy Australia,
so many people come together to make this ZEISS, Leica, AXT, Keepad Interactive,
With 125 of our staff gathered from around the nation,
collaborations and knowledge exchange blossomed. Most
happen at the IMC19 event, inspiring future NewSpec, ATA, Coherent, Me3D and CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE INVOLVED
microscopists.
gave talks or poster presentations to the international assembly. UNSW Art and Design, VR: Prof. John IN MAKING IMC19 A GREAT SUCCESS.
McGhee.
Many also volunteered to share the wonders of microscopy The students were excited to continue exploring THE EVENT RECENTLY WON THE INTERNATIONAL
with school groups from around New South Wales. microcopy at myscopeoutreach.org
IAPCO COLLABORATION AWARD.
M I C R O S C O P Y A U S T R A L I A | 2 0 1 8 | 18 – 19GLOBAL BIOIMAGING –– FUTURE
EXCHANGE DIRECTIONS
OF EXPERIENCE In September 2018 Microscopy Australia,
working with the National Imaging Facility,
were proud to host three Global BioImaging
(GBI) events. An Exchange of Experience
INSTRUMENTS & EXPERTISE
Australian researchers need access to emerging
TOOL DEVELOPMENT
We will give Australian science the edge by
microscopy and microanalysis technologies to developing new instruments and analytical
brought together 64 bioimaging facility take their research successfully into the future. techniques. Dedicated staff will be employed
managers from 18 countries. They tackled We will provide access to new technologies specifically to develop innovative and useful new
big questions about creating a sustainable in three key areas: atomic-scale microscopy, solutions: hardware, software and methods to
future for international collaboration and the cryo-electron microscopy and high sensitivity take our capabilities into the future.
development of frameworks to ensure quality microanalytical tools. These new tools will be
of research, service standards and data supported by experts to help researchers in both
management. Microscopy Australia shared our materials and biological sciences produce world
experience as a national open access research leading research. INDUSTRY ENGAGEMENT
infrastructure and the value it brings, not just
to researchers, but Australia as a whole. We will continue to work with industry,
particularly with SMEs, through programs
The next event, the second International Training DATA SOLUTIONS such the Industry Growth Centres and our
Course on the Management and Operation of MTPConnect-funded Technical Voucher scheme.
Imaging Core Facilities, provided the opportunity Researchers are producing ever-larger and This brings subsidised access to microscopy to
for visitors to learn from an international panel of multi-dimensional data sets and are increasingly industries both large and small.
experts about the nitty gritty of running a world using multiple instruments as part of a single
class facility. This included topics from delivering study. They need harmonised data analysis,
durable, reliable and high-quality image data, to transfer and storage solutions to turn the data
managing difficult clients. into new discoveries. We are finding synergies TRAINING & COMMUNITY
with other organisations who have similar data
This was followed by the second International requirements and are working with them to We will continue to expand our world-leading
Training Course on Challenges in Image Data We would like to thank the commonwealth implement systems to meet these challenges. MyScope training platform to add modules
Management and Analysis. This is an area that government for their continued support Microscopy Australia will fund a network of covering techniques with high demand or high
benefits enormously from knowledge sharing knowledge requirements. The Stories and
(through the NCRIS scheme) for our core dedicated staff around Australia to deploy these
as microscopists around the world seek the systems and to interface between researchers, Structures – New Connections exhibition
best solutions to getting the most from the large activities, all our staff for their excellent
instrument scientists and the data and analytics (see pg 16) will tour Australia to make new
datasets that microscopy now generates. work and sponsors for their commitment and lasting connections, encouraging interest
solutions.
to our training and community programs. in STEM, particularly amongst Australia’s
Feedback from both events was overwhelmingly
positive, further projecting Microscopy Australia Indigenous youth.
EoE III deligates at the Charles Perkins Centre – The University of Sydney Image: Scanning electron micrograph of
into the global consciousness as a world leader in
advanced imaging. the organic fibre network in a chicken egg shell.
1μm
M I C R O S C O P Y A U S T R A L I A | 2 0 1 8 | 20 – 21RESEARCH
OUTCOMES
1 2 3 4
PILBARA ROCKS POINT GENETIC ENGINEERING MAGNESIUM A SOLAR FUTURE
TO PAST LIFE ON MARS FOR FOOD SECURITY PLASTICITY GAINS
& SOCIAL
5 6 7 8
IMPACT
MyScope FISH SMELL BECOMING A FLOWER INSIGHTS INTO
PARKINSON’S DISEASE
FROM AUTOMOTIVE
WASTE TO ROBUST
Take a closer look at this year’s research
highlights – all enabled by Microscopy Australia.
COATED STEEL
Explore our online platforms to train With over 3,900 researchers annually,
in advanced microscopy: here are just a few of our recent stories.
myscope.training
RESEARCH OUTCOMES
Introduce your family to microscopy
with our engaging simmulator activities:
myscopeoutreach.org
9 10 11 12 13 14
2018
Image: Colour enhanced scanning electron VIRTUAL LEAF CONCENTRATING SUPPORTING INDUSTRY – BACTERIA GOLDEN EFFECTS RARE MINERAL
micrograph of a moth egg
SUNLIGHT IN AURUBIS LIKE IT ROUGH ON CELLS REVEALS HUGE
SOLAR CELLS IMPACT CRATER
M I C R O S C O P Y A U S T R A L I A | 2 0 1 8 | 22 – 23RESEARCH OUTCOMES & SOCIAL IMPACT – 2018
1mm
1
CHALLENGE RESEARCH IMPACT
PILBARA ROCKS
The serious search for life elsewhere in the Rocks in the Pilbara region of north Western The answer unfolded when Tara Djokic, working The finding of 3.5 billion-year-old-life
Universe is a rather infant endeavour for Australia preserve the oldest known fossilised life with Prof. Van Kranendonk and Prof. Malcolm inhabiting land-based hot springs on Earth
humanity. How do we formulate a search on the planet. Some of these are stromatolites Walter at UNSW, discovered the presence suggests a good place to start looking for
strategy and what questions do we ask? – rock structures built by communities of of geyserite directly interlayered with the
POINT TO PAST
signs of life on Mars would be around ancient
Since life on Earth was microbial for its micro-organisms. In the late 1970s geologists stromatolites. Geyserite is a rock type that only hot spring rocks. In fact, many of the rocks
first three billion years, we can begin with a were excited to discover the oldest known forms at the edges of hot spring pools such as on Mars are the same age as the Dresser
deeper understanding of the history of life on stromatolites on Earth in a group of rocks called those seen today in Yellowstone National Park. formation and evidence of ancient hot
this planet. the Dresser Formation, located in the east
LIFE ON MARS
Electron microscopy in the Microscopy Australia springs has already been identified on the
Pilbara. Geologists continued investigating to red planet.
‘Extremophile’ microbes living on Earth today facility at UNSW Sydney showed that very fine
interpret the ancient environment that supported
thrive in extreme conditions – hyper-hot, light and dark layers in the rock sample were Ref: Djokic et al., 2017,
these microbes.
cold, salty, acidic – conditions too harsh composed of titanium dioxide and clays. These Nature Communications, 8, 15263
to support more complex plant and animal Initial research suggested a quiet shallow- minerals aided in identifying the geyserite as they
life. Although we see no sign of complex life water marine setting such as the modern-day are known to precipitate from modern hot spring
Images: Pilbara region of north Western Australia elsewhere in our solar system, we know of Shark Bay, WA. Later work by Prof. Martin pools. The proximity of geyserite and fossil life
active and ancient environments that could Van Kranendonk’s research group at UNSW allowed the researchers to conclude that life was
Signs of life –
Mars, NASA
support extremophiles. Mars is one example, Sydney suggested it was actually a dynamic flourishing in and around the edges of hot spring
Geyser in an Icelandic hot spring field as well as the moons of Jupiter and Saturn; volcanic setting with large volumes of circulating pools, approximately 3.5 billion years ago. The
Europa and Enceladus. volcanically heated water. This model raised discovery of geyserite in the Dresser formation
3.5 billion years ago
Section of geyserite showing the dark and light banding
interesting questions. Were the ancient microbes also showed that land-based hot springs were
surviving in volcanically heated water, or were present on Earth around 3 billion years earlier
they simply growing in the quiet areas of the than previously known.
system, unrelated to hydrothermal activity?
M I C R O S C O P Y A U S T R A L I A | 2 0 1 8 | 24 – 25RESEARCH OUTCOMES & SOCIAL IMPACT – 2018
3 MAGNESIUM
PLASTICITY GAINS
Materials science aims to improve economically valuable
metal alloy properties such as lightness, strength and
plasticity. Plasticity is the property of material to be shaped
without breaking. As the lightest metals available for
2 GENETIC ENGINEERING structural engineering, magnesium alloys are the focus of
much research, and new processing methods continue to
FOR FOOD SECURITY be developed. Improving the plasticity of these alloys is a
challenge due to the crystal structure of magnesium.
Future food security is vital in the face of Mathematical modelling shows that crop yield
growing populations and environmental could be increased by up to 60% if the C3 plant Dr Suqin Zhu has worked extensively on these alloys and
uncertainty. Genetic engineering could hold RuBisCO could be replaced with Cyanobacteria developed a process called high strain-rate rolling (HSRR) that
the key to increased crop yields. RuBisCO and the rest of the CO2 concentrating is strikingly effective at producing high quality magnesium alloy
components in functional carboxysomes. sheets that are strong and easy to work. Dr Zhu is now working
There are three major groups of plants with with Prof. Simon Ringer at the University of Sydney and uses
respect to how they collect and use carbon Drs Ben Long, Wei Yih Hee and Prof. Dean Price Microscopy Australia instruments to understand, at a microscopic
dioxide (CO2). C3 plants use CO2 directly from from the Australian National University (ANU), scale, how HSRR increases strength and plasticity.
the air whereas C4 and crassulacean acid have used tobacco as a model plant. Using just
metabolism (CAM) plants first convert it to an four of the necessary genes from cyanobacteria, Transmission Kikuchi diffraction and atomic-scale transmission
acid called malate. Malate allows CO2 to be they have successfully engineered tobacco electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that HSRR alloys have a very
stored and concentrated around RuBisCO, the chloroplasts to make basic carboxysomes. high density of a particular kind of distortion, known as a stacking
enzyme that starts CO2’s conversion into sugars. Transmission electron microscopy in the fault. These distortions are created in the alloy’s crystal lattice
C3 plants are most efficient in fertile, moist and Microscopy Australia facilities at ANU showed early in the HSRR process. These don’t allow the lattice planes
temperate conditions while C4 plants are more these carboxysomes to be full of RuBisCO to slide past each other. However, as the process continues at
efficient in hot and arid conditions. and around 100 nanometres in diameter, the higher strain, these stacking faults transform into a different kind
same size as those that naturally occur in of distortion, known as perfect dislocation, that slides easily.
RuBisCO works very slowly and in C3 crops it
cyanobacteria.
is a major limiting factor for their photosynthetic Through this series of structural reactions, HSRR makes two
performance and yield. This success provides a critical step toward the significant changes to the structure of the alloy. Firstly, perfect
construction of fully functional carboxysomes in dislocations greatly increase plasticity because they allow the
Cyanobacteria use a different version of crystal lattice planes to slide. Secondly, HSRR makes smaller
plants incorporating a complete cyanobacterial
RuBisCO. This enzyme, along with other crystals, which make the modified alloy stronger and tougher
suite of CO2 concentrating components. This
components that concentrate CO2 around than it was before the HSRR.
promises stronger crop yields, while improving
it, is held in micro-compartments called
use of both nitrogen fertiliser and water across a
carboxysomes, enabling it to work much faster Microscopy is essential to the atomic-scale engineering of alloys.
wide range of environmental conditions.
than plant RuBisCO. If the HSRR process can be scaled to industrial production and
Ref. B. Long et al. 2018 Nature Communications, commercialised, these innovative magnesium alloys will have
9:3570 | DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06044-0 100nm great economic potential. They will have applications in vehicles,
from trains and planes to cars and bikes, and in electronic and
biomedical devices.
TEM image of plant carboxysomes encapsulating RuBisCO enzymes. Ref: S.Q. Zhu & S.P. Ringer, 2018, Acta Materialia, 144, 365
Image: TEM image showing stacking
faults and dislocations in a Mg alloy.
1nm
M I C R O S C O P Y A U S T R A L I A | 2 0 1 8 | 26 – 27RESEARCH OUTCOMES & SOCIAL IMPACT – 2018
4
A SOLAR FUTURE
200,000TW OF CHALLENGE
In a world in need of cheaper, sustainable
RESEARCH
Phosphorene is a 2D form of phosphorus only –
IMPACT
This new microwave method for producing
SOLAR ENERGY
and clean energy solutions, solar is a few atoms thick. Researchers at Flinders phosphorene will contribute significantly to
an obvious option. However, the cost University considered that its properties could the field of phosphorene research.
and efficiency issues of different solar increase the efficiency of a variety of different
cell technologies continue to challenge solar cell types. Their approach was to include – Efficiency gains in a range of cheap, easy-
FALLS ON EARTH
researchers. a layer of ultra-thin phosphorene nanoflakes into to-make and efficient solar cells without the
these next-generation solar cells. need for platinum.
The solar cells on our roofs today use
– Greater uptake of solar energy as a viable
EACH YEAR
crystalline silicon. These are reasonably The research team led by Prof. Joe Shapter
efficient but remain expensive and require and Dr Munkhbayar Batmunkh developed a and sustainable option for power generation.
a lot of energy to manufacture. Physical quick and simple way to make thin flakes of “With these promising early results, further
inflexibility also limits their applications. phosphorene with microwaves. studies with the microwave technique and
Several cheaper, more adaptable and other solvents will help improve stability and
Black phosphorus is immersed in the common
TOTAL GLOBAL
easier-to-manufacture alternatives are being durability of phosphorene and allow us to
organic solvent, N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), 1nm
seriously investigated. look at ways to produce larger amounts for
and exposed to microwaves for just 10 minutes.
Two of these alternative cells are: This contrasts to previous methods involving 15 possible commercial applications”
ENERGY DEMAND
hours of treatment with sound waves. By using Dr Christopher Gibson
– based on carbon nanotubes and silicon: Transmission electron micrograph of
Microscopy Australia facilities in South Australia Refs: M Bat-Erdene et al. 2017, atoms in a phosphorene flake.
the main challenge with these cells is
for a wide range of visualisation and analytical Small Methods 1, 1700260
efficiency.
PER YEAR =
techniques, the team was able to demonstrate
M Bat-Erdene et al. 2017,
– dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSC): the ultra-thin phosphorene nanoflake structure
Adv. Funct. Mater. 27, 1704488
thin-film, semi-flexible, translucent and high quality of their phosphorene flakes.
and simple to make, but use costly M. Batmunkh et al. 2018,
20TW
These flakes were then incorporated into both
components such as platinum and Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 57, 2644 –2647
dye-sensitised and carbon nanotube–silicon
ruthenium. Although they are not
solar cells to act as the electrocatalysts in these
currently as efficient as crystalline
systems. This fabrication was supported by
silicon cells, they have a wider range
the Australian National Fabrication Facility in
of applications.
Adelaide.
The DSSC–phosphorene cells showed
superior photovoltaic efficiency of 8.31% which
outperforms expensive platinum-based DSSC.
300nm
The carbon nanotube–silicon–phosphorene
solar cells gave a 25% improvement in power
conversion over the carbon nanotube–silicon
alone. Atomic force microscopy image
Image: Morning sun seen from of a flake of phosphorene.
the Apollo 7 spacecraft, NASA.
M I C R O S C O P Y A U S T R A L I A | 2 0 1 8 | 28 – 29RESEARCH OUTCOMES & SOCIAL IMPACT – 2018
5
FISH SMELL
Some fishes, especially sharks, are believed to have an acute sense of smell
to help them detect food, mates or predators. Although a lot is known about
bony fishes, data is still lacking for cartilaginous fishes such as sharks, skates
and rays. The relative size of the olfactory bulbs (OBs) in the brains of animals,
including fish, can be used to predict olfactory abilities, but it is not clear
whether this is the best measure for sensitivity.
Ms Victoria Camilieri-Asch, working with Prof. Ms Camilieri-Asch has also used transmission
Shaun Collin at the University of Western electron microscopy to count the number of
Australia (UWA) has used a number of nerve cells taking signals into and out of the OBs
microscopy techniques at Microscopy Australia (left). She found huge differences: for one nerve
at UWA to discover more. By using iodine-based cell coming out of the OB, the shark has 200
stains to enhance contrast for X-ray computed times more nerve cells going to it, suggesting
tomography (CT), she has visualised the brain that the shark is much more sensitive to
and olfactory system of two model species; the olfactory information than the goldfish.
brown-banded bamboo shark (right) and the Ms Camilieri-Asch is also using confocal
common goldfish. This has generated accurate microscopy to look at the distribution of different
3D models that she used to calculate the receptor cells in the olfactory cavities of sharks.
volume of the olfactory system. In collaboration
Although cartilaginous fishes are considered
with the VascLab at UWA and the PAWSEY
evolutionarily primitive, they are certainly more
Supercomputing Centre, these models are being
complex than was initially thought. Studying
used to study the water pressure and flow in the
their olfactory abilities is contributing to a better
nasal cavities of these species.
understanding of their behaviour.
The brain is 30mm long
0.1μm
Image details M I C R O S C O P Y A U S T R A L I A | 2 0 1 8 | 30 – 31RESEARCH OUTCOMES & SOCIAL IMPACT – 2018
6 BECOMING 7 INSIGHTS INTO
A FLOWER PARKINSON’S DISEASE
How plants trigger their cells to develop into In an experimental plant strain one of these Just as your parcels are packaged and A number of microscopy techniques in
flowers has long confounded researchers. molecules, called ACS1, accumulates to well delivered to your doorstep, so your body Microscopy Australia’s UQ facility complimented
above normal levels, disrupting normal plant has molecular machines responsible for other results from the LMB. Results revealed that
However, a new class of signalling molecules
growth. Prof. Leon’s group found that the packaging cellular cargo and ensuring it three of the retromer proteins form a supportive
called apocarotenoids may hold the answer.
pattern of gene activity in these plants suggests gets to the correct location within the cell. network of arches that are docking points for
Plant biologists have recently shown that
that ACS1 promotes flower development. However, just as parcel delivery can go control proteins. In cooperation with membrane-
apocarotenoid signals (ACS) give plants
wrong, so it can in your body. Misdelivered associated sorting proteins, they cause the
essential cues for root, leaf, and flower To explore this possibility, Dr McQuinn analysed
cellular cargo can lead to devastating membrane to bend and form tubules. It is these
development, as well as protecting them the plant architecture and leaf structure by
neurodegenerative diseases such as tubules that deliver the cargo around the cell.
from adverse environmental conditions. How using cryo scanning electron microscopy at
Parkinson’s disease. The structure shows that a mutation known to
they do this is being investigated by Dr Ryan Microscopy Australia’s facility at the ANU and
cause Parkinson’s disease might interfere with
McQuinn and Prof. Barry Pogson at the ARC compared them to normal plants. An international team led by A/Prof. Brett Collins
how the arches interact with each other.
Centre of Excellence for Plant Energy Biology 100μm from the University of Queensland (UQ), Dr John
Leaves usually develop in a spiral pattern
at the Australian National University (ANU) in Briggs at MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology This work will allow scientists to better
(top), with an abundance of spiky hairs. The
collaboration with Prof. Patricia Leon at the (LMB), UK, and Prof. David Owen at Cambridge understand how mutations in retromer lead
experimental plants (bottom) lack the spiral leaf
National Autonomous University of Mexico Institute for Medical Research, UK have joined to neurodegeneration and potentially provide
arrangement and hairs. Instead, the surface
(UNAM). with collaborators at the Max Planck Institute of a basis for designing drugs to help treat the
is much bumpier with cells more closely
Biochemistry, Germany, to solve the structure disease.
resembling the part of a flower where pollen
of retromer, the molecular machine responsible
attaches for pollination. This was confirmed Ref.: Oleksiy Kovtun et al. 2018,
for ensuring the safe and efficient transport of
when pollen came in contact with the lumpy Nature 561, 561–564
cellular cargo.
cells of the experimental plant, “inflating” like it
View the video: Structure of the membrane-
would during pollination. Retromer consists of four proteins bound to the assembled retromer coat by cryo-electron
membrane surrounding a cellular compartment tomography. Oleksiy Kovtun & John Briggs.
ACS1 appears to be the first chemical signal
called an endosome. It is found in species from
discovered that triggers flower formation. www.youtube.com/watch?time_
baker’s yeast to humans and controls molecular
Elucidating this previously enigmatic process continue=7&v=nEuG2-FLAHA
sorting – redirecting incoming molecules to
opens up potential new ways to control flowering
where they need to go.
with significant implications for agriculture and
future food security. Recently, the team determined the 3D structure
of the entire yeast retromer complex in its Scan for Video
assembled, membrane-bound state. Cryo-
electron microscopy on frozen samples enabled
the intricate details of the protein structures to
be elucidated.
Image: Cryo-electron tomography of
tubules showing the retromer arches.
100μm
M I C R O S C O P Y A U S T R A L I A | 2 0 1 8 | 32 – 33RESEARCH OUTCOMES & SOCIAL IMPACT – 2018
10μm
8
CHALLENGE
FROM
1. The heterogeneous nature of complex Prof. Sahajwalla and her team use
industrial waste makes it difficult to sort Microscopy Australia at UNSW to monitor and
and recycle, so much of it ends up in modify their processes to arrive at the most
landfill. effective coatings.
AUTOMOTIVE 2. Steels and hybrid steels that have high
abrasion and corrosion resistance are
highly valued for industrial applications.
Prof. Sahajwalla is working in recycling
science to enable global industries to
WASTE
However, they are costly and difficult to safely utilise toxic and complex waste
produce. as low-cost alternatives to virgin raw
materials and fossil fuels.
An opportunity exists for innovation in
complex industrial waste management and
TO ROBUST
steel production. A combined solution could She has already developed and commercialised
have a global impact on productivity and ‘green steel’ technology, which uses old rubber
sustainability. tyres and waste plastics to fuel steel making.
This innovation delivers zero-waste recycling
COATED STEEL
because the rubber and plastics are completely
consumed. It also significantly reduces the
RESEARCH amount of coal and coke used to fuel the
ARC Laureate Professor at UNSW Sydney, furnaces.
Veena Sahajwalla, has developed a process
to use complex automotive waste as an input
stream to modify and toughen steel. Titanium Scanning electron micrograph showing the microstructure of the
from paints, pigments and UV protection; silicon
IMPACT ultrahard ceramic layer derived from waste materials.
SILICON FROM GLASS from glass, and nitrogen and carbon from – Provides durable steel products for
plastics are transformed by using a precisely industry’s demanding applications
controlled, high-temperature procedure. They
react to form titanium nitride and silicon nitride, – Reuses valuable resources –
NITROGEN AND CARBON FROM PLASTICS ceramics that become chemically bonded to
the surface of normal carbon steel. Carbides –
towards zero waste
Saves raw, virgin materials –
also form under these surface coatings. Both more sustainable industry
the nitrides and carbides increase hardness and
TITANIUM FROM PAINTS improve resistance of the steel to corrosion and
abrasion. The process is cost effective and can Ref: Farshid Pahlevani, et al. 2016,
be modified to customise the surface to suit the Scientific Reports, 6:38740
intended application of the material. 5μm
This work has been supported by ARC industrial
Transformation Hub – Green Manufacturing.
[Prof. Sahajwalla’s ‘green steel’ technology was Prof. Sahajwalla at the furnace The cross-sectional microstructure of the
named on the US Society for Manufacturing ultrahard surface layer exposed using a focused
Engineers’ 2012 list of ‘innovations that could ion beam microscope.
change the way we manufacture’.]
M I C R O S C O P Y A U S T R A L I A | 2 0 1 8 | 34 – 35RESEARCH OUTCOMES & SOCIAL IMPACT – 2018
SECURING CROP 9
PRODUCTIVITY IN VIRTUAL
FUTURE CLIMATES LEAF
CHALLENGE RESEARCH IMPACT
Leaves are the pivotal points for the Prof. Margaret Barbour from the University The proposed 3D virtual leaf will substantially
exchange of water, carbon, and energy of Sydney (UoS) won a Sydney Research improve our understanding of the many
between the biosphere and the atmosphere. Excellence Initiative 2020 grant from the nuances of leaf anatomy and function.
So far, it has been difficult to measure these University to bring together the world’s leading
processes within the leaf at a microscopic plant biologists working in this area to review the It will deliver fundamental insights into:
scale. Plant biologists have resorted to current state of knowledge and define priorities – movement of carbon dioxide and water
highly simplified 2D imaging methods and for future research. within leaves over multiple scales
1D models to study 3D leaf processes.
The resulting workshop spawned an international – relationships between leaf anatomical
Measurements within leaves in 3D would
collaboration across three continents including diversity and functional diversity
enable a consensus framework to be
researchers from Harvard, Yale, the University
established so leaf processes, such as – designing the most productive leaves for our
of California Davis, the University of Queensland
photosynthesis and water transport, can be major crop plants
and the Australian National University. This led
accurately modelled through simulations.
to a landmark paper published in Trends in The group’s goal for the next decade is to
Plant Science in October 2018. It showed how pursue a coordinated, collaborative study of
recent advances in imaging and computational detailed leaf anatomy for several model species
technology are enabling a data-rich scientific representing a range of plant types. They can
pipeline that integrates 3D leaf measurement, then apply the resulting data to model key
anatomical modelling, and biophysical simulation 3D leaf processes including photosynthesis,
from the sub-cellular to the tissue level and respiration and water transport.
beyond. Imaging techniques, including serial
block face imaging, conducted at Microscopy
Australia’s UoS facility, were fundamental to this
Data reconstruction showing parts of two cells in a wheat
leaf. Cell walls in blue and purple, chloroplasts in green, visualisation, providing high-resolution images of
mitochondria and peroxisomes in red, and thylakoid grana internal cellular anatomy.
in yellow. Credit Elinor Goodman and Minh Huynh
M I C R O S C O P Y A U S T R A L I A | 2 0 1 8 | 36 – 37RESEARCH OUTCOMES & SOCIAL IMPACT – 2018
10 CONCENTRATING SUNLIGHT 11 SUPPORTING INDUSTRY 12 BACTERIA
IN SOLAR CELLS – AURUBIS LIKE IT ROUGH
Breast implants consist of an outer shell They used X-ray microtomography in the
20μm and a filler material. One of the many risks Microscopy Australia facility at the University
of breast implant surgery is the formation of of Sydney to collect highly accurate 3D data
scar tissue around the implant in response on the surface area and roughness of 11
to this foreign object in the body. Known as available implants. These measurements
capsular contracture, the scar tissue can enable unprecedented precision in the
squeeze the implant and cause distortion modelling and classification of the various
and hardening of the breast tissue. implants. The researchers also tested these
implant shells to relate surface roughness to
Textured surfaces on breast implants were
bacterial attachment and growth.
developed in the 1960s to improve tissue
incorporation and reduce capsular contracture. The team’s research showed a significant
While textured surfaces can achieve this aim, linear relationship between surface area and
they do promote more bacterial growth in bacterial attachment/growth. For smoother
the lab, and it seems, in the body. As well as implants there was some variation between the
causing infection, this bacterial growth can, species of bacteria that preferred to grow on
in itself, encourage capsular contracture. the individual types.
10nm 100nm This complex area calls for a combination of
These measurements provide a vastly
laboratory and clinical research.
improved system to enable surgeons to
Many types of implants are available with better correlate objective measurement with
Photovoltaic cells convert light from the Sun The researchers first lay down a continuous layer Aurubis AG, with its headquarters in Images from this commercial work are surfaces ranging from very smooth to highly functional outcomes.
into electricity and are the main components of gold on the silicon, surrounded above and Germany, is one of the world’s major copper confidential, so the example above comes from textured. Prof. Anand Deva, and his team at
Ref: P. Jones, et al. 2018,
of the solar panels placed on rooftops to below by two barrier layers to restrict the particle producers. Their Research, Development and an unrelated copper smelter. The image shows Macquarie University aimed to investigate
Plast. Reconstr. Surg., 142, 4, 837-849
harvest energy. If solar panels could be made elongation process. The system was heated Innovation (RDI) team is always seeking ways the complex microstructure and mineralogy these different surfaces to systematically
cheaper and more efficient they would be to make the gold form into spheres and then to increase efficiency in processing more and of some waste material. The bright spherical study the relationship between surface
more widely used. One way to increase their irradiated with various doses of high energy gold more complex raw materials. particles are valuable copper remaining in area, roughness, and capacity for bacterial
efficiency is to concentrate light coming into ions in order to cause controlled elongation of the slag after “extraction”. Microanalysis like attachment and growth in the lab.
“Knowledge of the behaviour of feed/product
the cell. This can be achieved by adding a the round particles. this helps plant engineers to make informed
materials at various process stages provides
thin transparent layer filled with small metal decisions on how to minimise copper loss in the
At the Microscopy Australia facility at ANU, important guidance for any modification or new
particles that help direct light that would smelting processes.
the researchers used transmission electron design of the process flow”, says Dr Ata Fallah,
otherwise be reflected or scattered, into the
microscopy (TEM) to examine the features Senior Manager of Pyrometallurgical Process More accurate information on metal loss and
solar cell.
produced in their process. High dose irradiation Characterisation, RDI at Aurubis AG. “Careful element behaviour can be obtained using
X-ray microtomography images
Optimised cell performance will depend on the led to a dense array of elongated gold particles characterisation of materials produced in these these microanalysis techniques than by the
of a selection of implant shells
size, shape and density of metallic particles forming in the middle layer. Further studies stages is one of the first steps towards building bulk analysis methods conventionally used at showing surface roughness.
in the added layer. Pablo Mota-Santiago to evaluate the effectiveness of the different the knowledge base.” metallurgical processing plants. Microscopy
and A/Prof. Patrick Kluth from the Australian particles in concentrating light can now take Australia’s advanced micro-imaging and Each sample is 1.4mm square.
Microscopy Australia at the Australian National
National University (ANU) are collaborating with place. microanalysis facilities empower problem-solving
University has provided microscopic level
researchers in France and have focused on ways at the industrial level, letting Aurubis maximise
Image: TEM images of the spheres (left) and analysis by using electron microprobe and
to control the size of elongated gold particles value from its processes.
elongated gold particles (right) QEMSCAN analysis to characterize Aurubis’s
deposited on a silicon wafer.
materials during the copper smelting process.
M I C R O S C O P Y A U S T R A L I A | 2 0 1 8 | 38 – 39You can also read
