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Updated: May 6, 2026

Preparation of Prokaryotic and Eukaryotic Organisms Using Chemical Drying for Morphological Analysis in Scanning Electron Microscopy SEM
Published on: January 7, 2019
Bacterioneuston examined with critical point drying and transmission electron microscopy
1Environmental Engineering and Science, Department of Civil Engineering, Stanford University, 94305, Stanford, California.
Abstract:
Morphological details of bacteria collected at the air/seawater interface are greatly enhanced when transmission electron microscopy is coupled with critical point dried preparations. Few artifacts and minimal distortion permit a more accurate appraisal of an organism's cell characteristics and its relationship to its microenvironment. Cell surface and extracellular polymer materials are clearly distinguished in a manner not feasible with other preparations.

