Electron microscopy of specimens in liquid
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Updated: May 28, 2026

Advancing High-Resolution Imaging of Virus Assemblies in Liquid and Ice
Published on: July 20, 2022
Niels de Jonge1, Frances M Ross
1Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 2215 Garland Avenue, Nashville, Tennessee 37232, USA.
Abstract:
Imaging samples in liquids with electron microscopy can provide unique insights into biological systems, such as cells containing labelled proteins, and into processes of importance in materials science, such as nanoparticle synthesis and electrochemical deposition. Here we review recent progress in the use of electron microscopy in liquids and its applications. We examine the experimental challenges involved and the resolution that can be achieved with different forms of the technique. We conclude by assessing the potential role that electron microscopy of liquid samples can play in areas such as energy storage and bioimaging.
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The simplest type of preparation is the wet mount, in which the specimen is placed in a drop of liquid on the slide. A liquid specimen can be directly deposited on the slide using a dropper. Solid specimens, such as skin scraping, can be placed on the slide before adding a drop of liquid to prepare the wet mount. Sometimes the liquid is simply water, but stains are often added...
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