An alternative to the flat substrate method of preparing electron microscope autoradiographs

Area of Science:

• Electron Microscopy
• Radiography
• Biotechnology

Background:

• Flat substrate methods for electron microscope autoradiography can be difficult to perform.
• Existing techniques present challenges in emulsion application to specimen grids.

Purpose of the Study:

• To refine an alternative technique for electron microscope autoradiography.
• To address difficulties encountered with flat substrate methods.

Main Methods:

• A technique involving placing an electron microscope grid beneath the specimen prior to dipping in emulsion was reconsidered and refined.
• This method avoids direct application of emulsions to specimen grids.

Main Results:

• The refined technique circumvents common problems associated with direct emulsion application.
• This method provides a viable alternative for electron microscope autoradiograph preparation.

Conclusions:

• The grid-beneath-specimen dipping technique is a practical alternative for electron microscope autoradiography.
• This method should be considered when flat substrate techniques prove problematic.