Polymer-Coated Cryo-EM Grids for Laser Microdissection Specimen Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryoelectron microscopy sample carriers are difficult to use in laser microdissection devices due to electrostatic attraction, which prevents the transfer of dissected specimens from the carrier to a collection container.
Innovation Solution
A method involving applying a mixture of polymer and solvent to the electron microscope sample carrier, allowing it to harden and form a thin layer that reduces electrostatic attraction, enabling the use of the carrier in a laser microdissection device and facilitating the transfer of dissected specimens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an electron microscope sample carrier is used directly in a laser microdissection device, then the sample can be observed with high resolution, but the dissected specimens remain attached to the carrier due to electrostatic attraction and cannot be transferred to a collection container
Solution Approach 1:
A polymer layer is applied as an intermediary between the electron microscope sample carrier and the dissected specimens. This polymer layer modifies the surface properties of the carrier, reducing electrostatic attraction and enabling the dissected specimens to be released and transferred to a collection container while maintaining the original carrier structure for high-resolution imaging
Solution Approach 2:
The surface properties of the electron microscope sample carrier are modified by changing the physical and chemical parameters through polymer deposition. The polymer layer alters the electrostatic characteristics and surface energy of the carrier, transforming it from a state where specimens are strongly attracted to one where specimens can be easily released and transferred
2Ease of operation
If a polymer layer is applied to the electron microscope sample carrier to enable specimen transfer, then the dissected specimens can be removed and transferred to a collection container, but the sample carrier requires additional preparation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer layer is applied in advance to the electron microscope sample carrier before sample preparation and imaging. This preliminary action ensures that the carrier is pre-conditioned with the appropriate surface properties, allowing seamless specimen transfer after laser microdissection without requiring additional modification steps after the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
A composite structure is created by combining the electron microscope sample carrier with a polymer layer. This composite material integrates the high-resolution imaging capabilities of the original carrier with the specimen-release properties of the polymer, achieving both functions in a single integrated system
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method allows for the successful removal and transfer of dissected specimens from the electron microscope sample carrier to a collection vessel, overcoming electrostatic attraction and improving handling of the specimens.
Implementation Method 1
A mixture of a polymer and a solvent is applied to the side of the grid facing away from the support layer. Furthermore, at least a portion of the solvent is evaporated, causing the polymer to harden
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for preparing a sample carrier assembly (100, 500) for use in a laser microdissection device. An electron microscope sample carrier (104) is provided, comprising a grid (110) and a support layer (112) for carrying a sample (114) arranged on one side of the grid (110). A mixture (400) of a polymer and a solvent is applied to the side of the grid (110) facing away from the support layer (112). Furthermore, at least a portion of the solvent is evaporated so that the polymer hardens to form the sample carrier assembly (100, 500).