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Graphene sandwich-based biological specimen preparation for cryo-EM analysis.

ABSTRACT: High-quality specimen preparation plays a crucial role in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structural analysis. In this study, we have developed a reliable and convenient technique called the graphene sandwich method for preparing cryo-EM specimens. This method involves using two layers of graphene films that enclose macromolecules on both sides, allowing for an appropriate ice thickness for cryo-EM analysis. The graphene sandwich helps to mitigate beam-induced charging effect and reduce particle motion compared to specimens prepared using the traditional method with graphene support on only one side, therefore improving the cryo-EM data quality. These advancements may open new opportunities to expand the use of graphene in the field of biological electron microscopy.

SUBMITTER: Xu J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10835136 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Graphene sandwich-based biological specimen preparation for cryo-EM analysis.

Xu Jie J Gao Xiaoyin X Zheng Liming L Jia Xia X Xu Kui K Ma Yuwei Y Wei Xiaoding X Liu Nan N Peng Hailin H Wang Hong-Wei HW

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 20240122 5

High-quality specimen preparation plays a crucial role in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structural analysis. In this study, we have developed a reliable and convenient technique called the graphene sandwich method for preparing cryo-EM specimens. This method involves using two layers of graphene films that enclose macromolecules on both sides, allowing for an appropriate ice thickness for cryo-EM analysis. The graphene sandwich helps to mitigate beam-induced charging effect and reduce parti ...[more]

PMID: 38252835

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