We want to analyse liposomes in a SEM. But, since liposomes are unstable during drying procedures, our liposomes look ugly when subjected to high vacuum. We want to explore any fixation method that can help to enhance the visualization of liposomes in SEM in order to prevent damage of the structure provoked by vacuum. Any suggestions? Thanks a lot.
Hi David. What I did was after making the liposome and checking with DLS to know they are stable somewhat and having idea of the size range, depending on your lipid concentration (you may have to dilute down the liposome solution). I dropped about 10ul of this onto the silicon plate and allowed it to dry in air where there is no dust. (do not use vacuum or spin). I normally leave it for about a day to dry and carry out SEM. it should be fine.
I did that but when liposomes are exposed to high vacuum they are chopped and deformed like raisins.
That's strange though. My ribosomes don't deform during SEM. May be u can adjust the lipid composition to make the opposite more rigid. It may withstand the suction of the vacuum.
It seems like it's a problem of my SEM since it has high vacuum (good resolution). My liposomes are already very rigid composed of DSPC for example. So that's why we want to explore alternatives such as glutaraldehyde fixation.
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