Visualizing preparation using asymmetrical choline-like ionic liquids for scanning electron microscope observation of non-conductive biological samples

J Nanosci Nanotechnol. 2014 Mar;14(3):2620-3. doi: 10.1166/jnn.2014.8629.

Abstract

In this study, we investigated conductivity preparation for scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation that used novel asymmetrical choline-type room temperature ionic liquids (RTIL). By immersion in only an RTIL solution, clear SEM images of several types of biological samples were successfully observed. In addition, we could visualize protozoans using RTILs without any dilution. These results suggested that the asymmetrical choline-type RTILs used in this study are suitable for visualizing of biological samples by SEM. Treatment without the need for dilution can obviate the need for adjusting the RTIL concentration and provide for a rapid and easy conductivity treatment for insulating samples.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3T3 Cells
  • Animals
  • Cellulose / chemistry
  • Choline / chemistry*
  • Drosophila
  • Gluconacetobacter xylinus / metabolism
  • Hair / pathology
  • Humans
  • Ionic Liquids / chemistry*
  • Ions
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / instrumentation*
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / methods*
  • Surface Properties
  • Temperature
  • Tooth / pathology

Substances

  • Ionic Liquids
  • Ions
  • Cellulose
  • Choline