Martha Ilett, Maryam Afzali, Bilal Abdulkarim, Zabeada Aslam, Stephanie Foster, Miguel Burgos-Ruiz, Yi-Yeoun Kim, Fiona C. Meldrum, Rik M. Drummond-Brydson
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
We present a comparison of common electron microscopy sample preparation methods for studying crystallisation processes from solution using both scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). We focus on two widely studied inorganic systems: calcium sulphate, gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3). We find significant differences in crystallisation kinetics and polymorph selection between the different sample preparation methods, which indicate that drying and chemical quenching can induce severe artefacts that are capable of masking the true native state of the crystallising solution. Overall, these results highlight the importance of cryogenic (cryo)-quenching crystallising solutions and the use of full cryo-TEM as the most reliable method for studying the early stages of crystallisation.
我们比较了使用扫描电子显微镜和透射电子显微镜(SEM 和 TEM)研究溶液结晶过程的常用电子显微镜样品制备方法。我们重点研究了两种被广泛研究的无机体系:硫酸钙、石膏(CaSO4-2H2O)和碳酸钙(CaCO3)。我们发现不同的样品制备方法在结晶动力学和多晶体选择方面存在明显差异,这表明干燥和化学淬火会产生严重的伪影,从而掩盖结晶溶液的真实原生状态。总之,这些结果凸显了低温淬火结晶溶液的重要性,以及使用全低温 TEM 作为研究结晶早期阶段最可靠方法的重要性。
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Microscopy is the oldest journal dedicated to the science of microscopy and the only peer-reviewed publication of the Royal Microscopical Society. It publishes papers that report on the very latest developments in microscopy such as advances in microscopy techniques or novel areas of application. The Journal does not seek to publish routine applications of microscopy or specimen preparation even though the submission may otherwise have a high scientific merit.
The scope covers research in the physical and biological sciences and covers imaging methods using light, electrons, X-rays and other radiations as well as atomic force and near field techniques. Interdisciplinary research is welcome. Papers pertaining to microscopy are also welcomed on optical theory, spectroscopy, novel specimen preparation and manipulation methods and image recording, processing and analysis including dynamic analysis of living specimens.
Publication types include full papers, hot topic fast tracked communications and review articles. Authors considering submitting a review article should contact the editorial office first.