Embedding cell monolayers to investigate nanoparticle-plasmalemma interactions at transmission electron microscopy

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Nanotechnology
• Microscopy

Background:

• Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is vital for visualizing nanoconstructs and cells.
• Accurate ultrastructural evidence requires preserving cell surface integrity, particularly the plasmalemma.
• Understanding nanomaterial-cell interactions is key to their intracellular fate.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a simple, inexpensive method for processing cell monolayers for TEM.
• To ensure consistent preservation of the cell surface and nanoparticle interactions.
• To enable reliable ultrastructural analysis of nanomaterial uptake.

Main Methods:

• Developing a straightforward sample preparation protocol for cell monolayers.
• Utilizing TEM for ultrastructural morphology and immunocytochemistry.
• Processing cells interacting with nanoparticles of diverse chemical compositions.

Main Results:

• Achieved consistent preservation of cell surface integrity.
• Successfully maintained the integrity of membrane-nanoparticle interactions.
• Obtained reliable ultrastructural data on nanomaterial-cell interactions.

Conclusions:

• The described method provides a reliable way to study nanomaterial uptake via TEM.
• This technique is essential for understanding nanoparticle-cell interactions at the ultrastructural level.
• The method is cost-effective and applicable to various nanoparticle types.