Abstract:
For biological imaging using electron microscopy (EM), the use of room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) has been proposed as an alternative to traditional lengthy preparation methods. With their low vapor pressures and conductivity, RTILs can be applied onto hard-to-image soft and/or wet samples without dehydration - allowing for a more representative, hydrated state of material and opening the possibility for visualization of in situ physiological processes using conventional EM systems. However, RTILs have yet to be utilized to their full potential by microscopists and microbiologists alike. To this end, this review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of biological applications of RTILs for EM to bridge the RTIL, in situ microscopy, and biological communities. We outline future research avenues for the use of RTILs for the EM observation of biological samples, notably i) RTIL selection and optimization, ii) applications for live cell processes and iii) electron beam and ionic liquid interaction studies.
摘要:
对于使用电子显微镜(EM)的生物成像,已经提出使用室温离子液体(RTIL)来替代传统的冗长制备方法。由于它们的低蒸气压和电导率,RTIL可以应用于难以成像的软和/或湿样品,而不会脱水-允许更具代表性,材料的水合状态,并打开了使用常规EM系统可视化原位生理过程的可能性。然而,RTIL尚未被显微镜和微生物学家充分利用。为此,这篇综述旨在全面总结RTIL的生物学应用,用于EM桥接RTIL,原位显微镜,和生物群落。我们概述了使用RTIL进行生物样品EM观察的未来研究途径,特别是i)RTIL选择和优化,ii)用于活细胞过程的应用和iii)电子束和离子液体相互作用研究。