Amino and PEG-Amino Graphene Oxide Grids Enrich and Protect Samples for High-resolution Single Particle Cryo-electron Microscopy

Publication date: Available online 19 December 2019Source: Journal of Structural BiologyAuthor(s): Feng Wang, Zanlin Yu, Miguel Betegon, Melody G. Campbell, Tural Aksel, Jianhua Zhao, Sam Li, Shawn M. Douglas, Yifan Cheng, David A. AgardAbstractCryo-EM samples prepared using traditional methods often suffer from too few particles, poor particle distribution, strongly biased orientation, or damage from the air-water interface. Here we report that functionalization of graphene oxide (GO) coated grids with amino groups concentrates samples on the grid with improved distribution and orientation. By introducing a PEG spacer, particles are kept away from both the GO surface and the air-water interface, protecting them from potential denaturation.Graphical abstract

Source: Journal of Structural Biology - December 20, 2019 Category: Biology Source Type: research