IAE CAS and CIQTEK Join Forces to Explore Advanced Biological Applications of SEM Microscopy
“CIQTEK field emission scanning electron microscope meets world-leading standards in all major specifications, offers a long warranty, and provides highly responsive after-sales support. After two years of use, we are confident that the system delivers lasting scientific value and performance at a highly competitive cost.”— Dr. Zhencheng Su, Senior Engineer and head of the Molecular Biology Lab, Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences In Shenyang, Liaoning Province, stands a prestigious research institute with a history dating back to 1954. Over the past 70 years, it has grown into a national powerhouse in ecological research — the Institute of Applied Ecology (IAE), part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The institute focuses on forest ecology, soil ecology, and pollution ecology, making significant contributions to the national ecological civilization. In 2023, as the institute approached a critical phase of equipment upgrades, it made a strategic decision that would not only reshape its research workflow but also establish a model case for the application of CIQTEK scanning electron microscopes (SEM) in the field of biology. IAE CAS: Advancing Ecological Civilization with Science IAE CAS operates three major research centers in forestry, agriculture, and environmental studies. Dr. Su recalls the development of the institute's shared technical service platforms. Established in 2002, the Molecular Biology Laboratory is a core facility within IAE's Public Technology Center. Over the past two decades, the lab has acquired more than 100 sets of large-scale general-purpose instruments, valued at over 7 million USD. It supports internal research needs and also serves the public by offering testing services, including isotopic and tracer analysis, biological structure identification, trace element ecological analysis, and molecular biology services. Affordable Brilliance: CIQTEK SEMs Deliver Beyond Expectations For biological research, scanning electron microscopy is indispensable. “Our electron microscopy lab handles a wide range of biological samples, including plant and animal tissues, microbial cells, fungal spores, and viruses, as well as material samples like mineral particles, microplastics, and biochar,” Dr. Su explained. The FE-SEM is capable of producing highly detailed 3D surface structures of solid-state samples. With a scanning transmission detector, it can also reveal internal structures of thin samples. In addition, the built-in high-performance EDS (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) enables qualitative and semi-quantitative elemental analysis on sample surfaces. By 2023, their previous SEMs (an environmental SEM and a benchtop SEM) could no longer meet the growing demand for higher resolution and imaging precision. A new FE-SEM became necessary. “After comprehensive evaluation and expert reviews, CIQTEK SEM5000 Series was selected through a competi...
August 06, 2025