Cryopreparation of mammalian tissue for X‐ray microanalysis in STEM

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
SUMMARY: A cryopreparation technique for studies of ultrastructure and distribution of diffusible elements in biological tissue is described. Electron microscopical contrast and characteristic X‐ray spectra are found to be poor in completely frozen‐hydrated ultrathin cryosections of fresh chemically untreated tissue. Both STEM contrast and detection of characteristic X‐rays are enhanced by careful freeze‐drying in the microscope. Although the ultrastructure is affected by ice crystals, intracellular compartments can be identified by STEM without staining and studied by X‐ray microanalysis.