|
|||||
|
|
Electron Microscopy Imaging Applications of Room Temperature Ionic Liquids in the Biological Field: A Review |
|
| Authors: | Liza-Anastasia DiCecco Andrew D'Elia Chelsea Miller Prof?Dr Kyla N Sask Prof?Dr Leyla Soleymani Prof?Dr Kathryn Grandfield |
| Affiliation: | 1. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L7 Canada;2. School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L7 Canada;3. Department of Materials Science and Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L7 Canada
School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L7 Canada;4. School of Biomedical Engineering, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L7 Canada Department of Engineering Physics, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4L7 Canada |
| Abstract: | For biological imaging using electron microscopy (EM), the use of room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs) has been proposed as an alternative to traditional lengthy preparation methods. With their low vapor pressures and conductivity, RTILs can be applied onto hard-to-image soft and/or wet samples without dehydration – allowing for a more representative, hydrated state of material and opening the possibility for visualization of in situ physiological processes using conventional EM systems. However, RTILs have yet to be utilized to their full potential by microscopists and microbiologists alike. To this end, this review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of biological applications of RTILs for EM to bridge the RTIL, in situ microscopy, and biological communities. We outline future research avenues for the use of RTILs for the EM observation of biological samples, notably i) RTIL selection and optimization, ii) applications for live cell processes and iii) electron beam and ionic liquid interaction studies. |
| Keywords: | Ionic Liquids Electron Microscopy Biology Life Science in?situ Electron Microscopy Imaging |