title: Visualizing preparation using asymmetrical choline-like ionic liquids for scanning electron microscope observation of non-conductive biological samples.
abstract: In this study, we investigated conductivity preparation for scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation that used novel asymmetrical choline-type room temperature ionic liquids (RTIL). By immersion in only an RTIL solution, clear SEM images of several types of biological samples were successfully observed. In addition, we could visualize protozoans using RTILs without any dilution. These results suggested that the asymmetrical choline-type RTILs used in this study are suitable for visualizing of biological samples by SEM. Treatment without the need for dilution can obviate the need for adjusting the RTIL concentration and provide for a rapid and easy conductivity treatment for insulating samples.
authors.forename: Shigeaki
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Abe
authors.forename: Atsushi
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hyono
authors.forename: Koji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kawai
authors.forename: Tetsu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yonezawa
mesh_terms: D016475:3T3 Cells; D000818:Animals; D002482:Cellulose / Q000737:chemistry; D002794:Choline / Q000737:chemistry*; D004330:Drosophila; D041822:Gluconacetobacter xylinus / Q000378:metabolism; D006197:Hair / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D052578:Ionic Liquids / Q000737:chemistry*; D007477:Ions; D051379:Mice; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature; D014070:Tooth / Q000473:pathology
chemical_list: D052578:Ionic Liquids; D007477:Ions; D002482:Cellulose; D002794:Choline