Challenges and opportunities in cryo-EM with phase plate

Area of Science:

• Microscopy
• Biophysics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is a powerful imaging technique.
• Phase plates were proposed early in TEM development to improve image contrast.
• Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) benefits significantly from enhanced contrast for biological specimens.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the progress of phase plate technology in cryo-EM.
• To discuss current challenges and future opportunities for phase plates in cryo-EM applications.

Main Methods:

• Review of novel phase plate designs and fabrication for cryo-EM.
• Analysis of phase plate performance in single particle cryo-EM and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET).
• Discussion of established phase plate types, such as the Volta phase plate.

Main Results:

• Various novel phase plates have been developed and fabricated over the past two decades.
• Phase plates, like the Volta phase plate, have demonstrated significant utility in cryo-EM.
• These advancements are crucial for high-resolution imaging of biological samples.

Conclusions:

• Phase plate technology has matured and is integral to modern cryo-EM.
• Continued research is needed to overcome existing challenges and unlock new opportunities.
• Phase plates offer a promising avenue for further advancements in biological imaging.