Confocal microscopy on the beamline: novel three-dimensional imaging and sample positioning.

ABSTRACT: Confocal microscopy, a technique that has been extensively applied in cellular biological studies, may also be applied to the visualization and three-dimensional imaging of protein crystals at high resolution on synchrotron beamlines. Protein crystal samples are examined using a commercially available confocal microscope adapted for cryogenic use. A preliminary test using a custom confocal design adapted for beamline use is also presented. The confocal optics configuration is compatible with nonlinear imaging techniques such as two-photon excited fluorescence imaging and second harmonic generation. The possibilities of this method are explored using two modes: fluorescence and reflection confocal. In fluorescence mode, small amounts of dye are introduced into the crystal through soaking or

SUBMITTER: Khan I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3445807 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature