Microfluidic System for Transmission Electron Microscopy

• DOI: 10.1017/s1431927610093669
• Publication Date: 2010-08-31T09:36:24Z
• Authors: Elisabeth A. Ring; Niels de Jonge
• Keywords: Eukaryotic Cells; Bacteria; Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; Microfluidics; 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology

We present a microfluidic system that maintains liquid flow in specimen chamber for scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) imaging. The consists of two ultrathin silicon nitride windows supported by microchips. They are placed holder seals the sample from vacuum and incorporates tubing to connected syringe pump outside microscope. Using results obtained fluorescence microscopy microspheres flowing through system, an equation characterize was calibrated. Gold nanoparticles diameters 30 100 nm moving were imaged with 200 kV STEM. It concluded despite strong influences Brownian motion, sensitivity small changes depth bypass channel, data matched calculated speed within order magnitude. allows rapid (within minute) exchange, which can potentially be used, example, investigate response specimens, e.g., eukaryotic or bacterial cells, certain stimuli.