Graphene in cryo-EM specimen optimization

Curr Opin Struct Biol. 2024 Apr 29;86:102823. doi: 10.1016/j.sbi.2024.102823. Online ahead of print.ABSTRACTSpecimen preparation is a critical but challenging step in high-resolution cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structural analysis of macromolecules. In the past decade, graphene has gained much recognition as the supporting substrate to optimize cryo-EM specimen preparation. It improves macromolecule embedding in ice, reduces beam-induced motion, while imposing negligible background noise. Various types of graphene-coated cryo-EM grids were implemented to improve the robustness and efficiency of specimen preparation. Graphene functionalization by different means has been proved specifically useful in addressing challenges related to the air-water interface (AWI), such as preferential orientation and sample denaturation. Graphene sandwich specimen preparation sets a new direction to explore in cryo-EM analysis of biological specimens. In this review, we discuss the current challenges and future prospects of graphene application in cryo-EM analysis of macromolecules.PMID:38688075 | DOI:10.1016/j.sbi.2024.102823

Source: Current Opinion in Structural Biology - April 30, 2024 Category: Biology Authors: Nan Liu Hong-Wei Wang Source Type: research