title: Improved microchip design and application for in situ transmission electron microscopy of macromolecules.
abstract: 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.
authors: 1 Protochips Inc., Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
authors: Madeline J
authors: MJ
authors: Dukes
authors: 1 Protochips Inc., Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
authors: Rebecca
authors: R
authors: Thomas
authors: 1 Protochips Inc., Raleigh, NC 27606, USA.
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Damiano
authors: 2 Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of the District of Columbia, Washington, DC 20008, USA.
authors: Kate L
authors: KL
authors: Klein
authors: 3 Macromolecules and Interfaces Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
authors: Sharavanan
authors: S
authors: Balasubramaniam
authors: 3 Macromolecules and Interfaces Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
authors: Sanem
authors: S
authors: Kayandan
authors: 3 Macromolecules and Interfaces Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
authors: Judy S
authors: JS
authors: Riffle
authors: 3 Macromolecules and Interfaces Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
authors: Richey M
authors: RM
authors: Davis
authors: 6 Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
authors: Sarah M
authors: SM
authors: McDonald
authors: 3 Macromolecules and Interfaces Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
authors: Deborah F
authors: DF
authors: Kelly
mesh_terms: D003287:Contrast Media / Q000032:analysis; D008081:Liposomes / Q000648:ultrastructure; D046911:Macromolecular Substances / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D008823:Micelles; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission / Q000379:methods*; D013048:Specimen Handling / Q000379:methods*; D014780:Viruses / Q000648:ultrastructure
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media; D008081:Liposomes; D046911:Macromolecular Substances; D008823:Micelles