We have performed negative staining of DNA sample using the PTA staining method and to our surprise no sample was observed under TEM. We also need to visualize the DNA when incorporated in a different nanoparticle. Are there special steps/protocol for DNA TEM unlike other proteins ?
Please see methods given at my ReseachGate page in available brief book "Electron Microscopy".
I think you can try uranyl formate for negative staining. This staining solution is really good for small protein. Once I tried to stain DNA using uranyl formate and it worked fine.
Usually, DNA is visualized in EM after shadow-casting methods are used. There are many papers published in the 1960s and 1970s using this method. I believe that some negative stains would penetrate into the DNA, so the DNA would disappear. What are you trying to learn by looking with the EM?
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