通过原子力显微镜对冰包埋生物膜冷冻蚀刻过程的直接观察。

Direct observations of freeze-etching processes of ice-embedded biomembranes by atomic force microscopy.

作者信息

Yamamoto Daisuke, Tani Koji, Gotoh Toshiaki, Kouyama Tsutomu

机构信息

Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Nagoya University, Furo-Cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan.

出版信息

Micron. 2003;34(1):9-18. doi: 10.1016/s0968-4328(03)00004-0.

DOI:10.1016/s0968-4328(03)00004-0

PMID:12694853

Abstract

We have fabricated a cryogenic atomic force microscope that is designed for structural investigation of freeze-fractured biological specimens. The apparatus is operated in liquid nitrogen gas at atmospheric pressure. Freeze-fracturing, freeze-etching and subsequent imaging are carried out in the same chamber, so that the surface topography of a fractured plane is easily visualized without ice contamination. A controlled superficial sublimation of volatile molecules allows us to obtain three-dimensional views of ultrastructures of biological membranes.

摘要

我们制造了一种低温原子力显微镜，用于对冷冻断裂的生物标本进行结构研究。该仪器在大气压下的液氮气体中运行。冷冻断裂、冷冻蚀刻及后续成像均在同一腔室内进行，这样可以轻松观察到断裂平面的表面形貌而不会受到冰污染。挥发性分子的可控表面升华使我们能够获得生物膜超微结构的三维视图。