In zoology, SEM can be used to observe the surface ultrastructure of insect compound eyes and mouthparts, body surface scales, and tiny arthropods such as mites and ticks; identify parasite bodies and spores; analyze the body surface scales and skin microstructure of model organisms such as zebrafish; examine the morphology of animal bone and tissue cross-sections; and study morphological features such as mouthparts, antennae, and legs in insect–plant interactions. Its low-vacuum imaging mode and backscattered electron detection capability allow dried or simply processed animal samples to be imaged rapidly without complex coating. With simple sample preparation and low operational requirements, it is suitable for research on insect taxonomy, parasitology, developmental biology, and animal morphology in universities and research institutes.
SEM can be used to observe the surface morphology, pore size distribution, fiber diameter, pore interconnectivity, and structural changes before and after degradation of electrospun fibers, 3D-printed scaffolds, hydrogels, porous ceramics, biodegradable polymers, and composites. It can also evaluate cell adhesion, spreading, proliferation, and matrix mineralization on scaffolds, and analyze microscopic features such as surface modification, coating uniformity, particle/microsphere morphology, and material–cell interfaces. Its low-vacuum imaging and backscattered electron detection capabilities allow rapid imaging of some uncoated samples or samples that have undergone simple fixation and drying. With simple sample preparation and low operational requirements, it is suitable for scaffold material development, cell–material interaction and biocompatibility research in universities and research institutes, as well as product quality control and failure analysis in industry.
In botany, SEM enables imaging of leaf stomata and trichomes, pollen exine ornamentation, pollen germination and pollination, plant–insect interfaces, and wood tracheids and pit membranes. Its low-vacuum mode and backscattered electron imaging allow fresh or hydrated plant samples to be imaged rapidly without complex fixation, drying, or coating. With simple sample preparation and low operational requirements, it suits plant morphology, taxonomy, and reproductive biology research in universities and institutes, as well as routine observation and outreach in agricultural breeding, wood science, and botany teaching.
The characteristics of drug particles are closely tied to product quality, performance, and manufacturing processes, directly determining the final therapeutic efficacy. Particle size, shape, distribution, and surface properties influence dissolution rate, stability, bioavailability, and release behavior within the body. For example, smaller particles can enhance drug solubility and absorption efficiency, while uniform distribution aids in consistent dispersion and stable storage. During drug development and production, precisely controlling particle preparation processes optimizes drug performance.
Microscopic analysis techniques like SEM can visually present the surface morphology and internal structure of drug particles. Combined with EDS, it enables qualitative and quantitative analysis of particle composition, providing essential technical support for drug quality control and process optimization.
