Improved microchip design and application for in situ transmission electron microscopy of macromolecules.

Understanding the fundamental properties of macromolecules has enhanced the development of emerging technologies used to improve biomedical research. Currently, there is a critical need for innovative platforms that can illuminate the function of biomedical reagents in a native environment. To address this need, we have developed an in situ approach to visualize the dynamic behavior of biomedically relevant macromolecules at the nanoscale. Newly designed silicon nitride devices containing integrated "microwells" were used to enclose active macromolecular specimens in liquid for transmission electron microscopy imaging purposes.We were able to successfully examine novel magnetic resonance imaging contrast reagents, micelle suspensions, liposome carrier vehicles, and transcribing viral assemblies. With each specimen tested, the integrated microwells adequately maintained macromolecules in discrete local environments while enabling thin liquid layers to be produced.

Citation

Madeline J Dukes, Rebecca Thomas, John Damiano, Kate L Klein, Sharavanan Balasubramaniam, Sanem Kayandan, Judy S Riffle, Richey M Davis, Sarah M McDonald, Deborah F Kelly. Improved microchip design and application for in situ transmission electron microscopy of macromolecules. Microscopy and microanalysis : the official journal of Microscopy Society of America, Microbeam Analysis Society, Microscopical Society of Canada. 2014 Apr;20(2):338-45

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PMID: 24331164

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