The University of Maryland Dental School is utilising TFS's EDS detectors to investigate the nature of worm-like cylindrical structures observed in the dentinal tubules of extracted human teeth.
Utilisation of the EDS detectors has made it possible to use scanning electron microscopy technology to obtain clear micro-images of the challenging structures, shedding new light on their chemical nature.
The findings of this research will be unveiled in a presentation titled 'Scanning electron microscopic study of cylindrical structures observed in dentinal tubules: the controversy continues', at the 17th International Microscopy Congress (IMC17) on 19-24 September 2010 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
As will be demonstrated at the IMC17 meeting, the research revealed two of the cylindrical structures within a single tubule - a discovery that may challenge the hypothesis that the structures are cellular extensions.
According to the findings of the study, the structures can protrude as much as 9 micrometers, with a diameter ranging from 1.5 to 1.9 micrometers.
While the majority of the structures appear to be hollow and devoid of any content, a number of them appear to be solid.
The study has been enabled by the use of the Thermo Scientific EDS high-resolution, high-throughput X-ray microanalysis solutions for electron microscopy.
The range comprises different X-ray detector options that can be seamlessly integrated with all currently available electron column instruments, including SEM, LVSEM, FESEM, TEM, STEM, Probe, DRT, Dual Column FIB and Auger.
Featuring custom-designed mechanical interfaces, the systems assure vacuum integrity and optimum collection efficiency in both routine analyses and advanced research applications.
