16 Jul Preparing nanoparticles on TEM grids
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
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.
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
Recommended
Reagent reservoirs
Microwell plates
mPrep/bench to seal capsule bottoms during long reagent treatments
Gilson Pipetman Neo (P200) pipettors bundled with mPrep/g capsules
mPrep/g Pipettor Kit single-channel
- Single-channel pipettor
- mPrep/s capsule pack
- 96 pipette tips
mPrep/g Pipettor Kit eight-channel
- Eight-channel pipettor
- mPrep/g capsule pack
- 96 pipette tips
Publications
Nano-Particle TEM Sample Preparation Primer (Microscopy & Microanalysis 2016)
Efficient and Documented Preparation of Pharmaceutical Particles for Correlative Microscopy Analyses using mPrep Capsule Processing (Microscopy & Microanalysis 2015)
Synthesis of nano-Pt onto ceria support as catalyst for water–gas shift reaction by Reactive Spray Deposition Technology (Applied Catalysis A: General 2014)
Comparative study for low temperature water-gas shift reaction on Pt/ceria catalysts: Role of different ceria supports (Applied Catalysis A: General 2015)
Instructions
Instructions for using mPrep/g capsules for grid handling and processing.
Instructions for using mPrep/g capsules for staining sections on grids with uranyl acetate and lead citrate.
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.
mPrep grid products
mPrep™ CPD Holder
Holds up to 6 mPrep/s or mPrep/g capsules in Tousimis® CPD apparatus
Product SKU: 33010$225.00
ASP-1000™ mPrep Automatic Specimen Processor
Programable specimen and grid preparation. Request a Quotation
Product SKU: ASP100096-well Plates – 500ul per well
96-well plates, polypropylene, round wells with U-bottom, 10/sleeve
Product SKU: 51001$39.00
12-Channel Reagent Reservoir – Single pack
12-channel reagent reservoir, polypropylene
Product SKU: 52501$7.59
mPrep/g™ Pipettor Kit eight-channel
eight-channel pipettor, mPrep/g capsule pack, 96 pipette tips
Product SKU: 43200$691.00
mPrep/g™ Pipettor Kit single-channel
single-channel pipettor, mPrep/g capsule pack, 96 pipette tips
Product SKU: 43100$376.00
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