16 Jul Preparing nanoparticles on TEM grids

Posted at 16:06h in by Bobbi Tannenbaum 0 Comments

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The mPrep system simplifies the preparation of nanoparticles for TEM.

Problems

Nanoparticle specimen prep requires forceps to transfer filmed grids through multiple reagents. Grids are stored in grid boxes until TEM imaging.

Grids and support films are easily damaged
Grids are easily lost or mixed up
Limited quantities of specimen solutions may be available
Specimen and reagent solutions may evaporate, precipitate or be contaminated
Adsorption and staining times may be inconsistent across multiple grids

mPrep solutions

Encapsulated grids reduce handling and damage
Grids in mPrep/g capsules are always labeled
Capsules require only 35 μl to prepare two grids
Enclosed capsules reduce or eliminate air exposure
Simultaneous processing assures uniform timing

Nanoparticles (TEM negative stain)

Application Notes

AN504: Nanoparticle Specimen Preparation for Transmission Electron Microscopy

Illustrated protocol showing the preparation of nanoparticle specimens for negative stain TEM using Formvar®-filmed grids in mPrep/g capsules. Eight different formulations of ~100 nm drug delivery particles were prepared simultaneously for a pharmaceutical company to evaluate structure and uniformity. This general sample preparation method can be applied to other nano-scale specimens including nano-fibers and viruses.

AN503: Preparing Macromolecular Specimens for TEM: Negative Staining of DNA-RecA Complex

Illustrates the preparation of macromolecular specimens for negative stain TEM using mPrep/g capsules, pipettors and Formvar®-filmed TEM grids. The example is a DNA-RecA complex, although the protocol is applicable to many other specimens. The specimen preparation and microscopy was performed in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Wisconsin – Madison by Mr. Jay Campbell and Dr. Sindhu Chitteni-Pattu, in the laboratory of Dr. Michael M Cox.

Required

mPrep/g capsules to hold TEM grids
mPrep/f couplers to prevent introducing damaging reagents into pipettors
Pipettor (such as a Gilson P200 volume) to enable reagent pipetting into mPrep/s capsules

Product Descriptions

ASP-1000 Brochure

mPrep/g Capsules product description

Publications

Nano-Particle TEM Sample Preparation Primer (Microscopy & Microanalysis 2016)

Abstract + Presented Poster

Efficient and Documented Preparation of Pharmaceutical Particles for Correlative Microscopy Analyses using mPrep Capsule Processing (Microscopy & Microanalysis 2015)

Abstract

Synthesis of nano-Pt onto ceria support as catalyst for water–gas shift reaction by Reactive Spray Deposition Technology (Applied Catalysis A: General 2014)

Abstract

Comparative study for low temperature water-gas shift reaction on Pt/ceria catalysts: Role of different ceria supports (Applied Catalysis A: General 2015)

Abstract

Instructions

mPrep/g Instructions

Instructions for using mPrep/g capsules for grid handling and processing.

Protocol – Staining Grids with mPrep/g Capsules

Instructions for using mPrep/g capsules for staining sections on grids with uranyl acetate and lead citrate.

Quick Guide mPrep/g

A graphical display illustrating how to load grids into mPrep/g capsules, and how to use pipettors to stain or label grids. Use this guide as a lab reference poster.