Imperative role of electron microscopy in toxicity assessment: A review

Microsc Res Tech. 2022 May;85(5):1976-1989. doi: 10.1002/jemt.24029. Epub 2021 Dec 13.

Abstract

Electron microscope (EM) was developed in 1931 and since then microscopical examination of both the biological and non-biological samples has been revolutionized. Modifications in electron microscopy techniques, such as scanning EM and transmission EM, have widened their applicability in the various sectors such as understanding of drug toxicity, development of mechanism, criminal site investigation, and characterization of the nano-molecule. The present review summarizes its role in important aspects such as toxicity assessment and disease diagnosis in special reference to SARS-COV2. In the biological system, EM studies have elucidated the impact of toxicants at the ultra-structural level in various tissue in conformity to physiological alterations. Thus, EM can be concluded as an important tool in toxicity assessment and disease prognosis.

Keywords: SARS CoV2; scanning electron microscopy; toxicity; transmission electron microscopy; ultrastructure.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
  • RNA, Viral*
  • SARS-CoV-2

Substances

  • RNA, Viral