TY  - JOUR
T1  - A guide to investigating colloidal nanoparticles by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy: pitfalls and benefits
JF  - AIMS Biophysics
VO  - 2
IS  - 3
A1  - Christophe A. Monnier
PB  - AIMS Press
UL  - http://buscaintegrada.pucsp.br/vufind/Record/doaj-art-e6d520741b94489386ea5138efd1edf9
AB  - Synthetic colloidal nanoparticles are nowadays omnipresent. Nonetheless, adequately characterizing them and interpreting the data is challenging, as their surrounding environment,<em> e.g. </em>the medium they are dispersed in, is often an active contributor to their size, morphology and structural integrity. In this regard, cryo-transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) is an ideal methodology. This article provides a general guidance for beginners and experts encountering this technique on the common benefits and pitfalls when characterizing synthetic nanoparticles. Illustrative experimental examples are presented which cover the importance of water as a supportive and structural component, along with contrast generation and electron beam damage.
KW  - Nanoparticle
KW  - Vesicle
KW  - Negative staining
KW  - Cryo-TEM
KW  - Colloid
KW  - Beam damage
ER  -