Sub-Micron Polymeric Stomatocytes as Promising Templates for Confined Crystallization and Diffraction Experiments

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Crystallography

Background:

• Confined crystallization is crucial for controlling inorganic compound properties.
• Electron microscopy requires samples protected from radiation damage.
• Polymeric compartments offer potential for controlled crystallization and protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the use of sub-micrometer polymeric stomatocytes for confined crystallization.
• To assess the protective capabilities of stomatocytes against electron beam irradiation.
• To evaluate the suitability of stomatocytes as templates for nanocrystal analysis.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of sub-micrometer polymeric stomatocytes.
• Confined crystallization of inorganic compounds within stomatocyte compartments.
• Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron diffraction analysis of encapsulated nanocrystals.

Main Results:

• Stomatocytes successfully facilitated confined crystallization of inorganic compounds.
• Each stomatocyte hosted the growth of a single nanocrystal.
• The glassy membranes of stomatocytes did not interfere with electron diffraction patterns.
• Stomatocytes provided effective shielding of nanocrystals from electron beam damage.

Conclusions:

• Polymeric stomatocytes serve as effective nanovials for confined crystallization.
• These nanovials protect nanocrystals and protein clusters from radiation damage during analysis.
• Stomatocytes are a promising template for advanced crystallography techniques like serial femtosecond crystallography.