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Controlling protein adsorption on graphene for cryo-EM using low-energy hydrogen plasmas.

ABSTRACT: Despite its many favorable properties as a sample support for biological electron microscopy, graphene is not widely used because its hydrophobicity precludes reliable protein deposition. We describe a method to modify graphene with a low-energy hydrogen plasma, which reduces hydrophobicity without degrading the graphene lattice. Use of plasma-treated graphene enables better control of protein distribution in ice for electron cryo-microscopy and improves image quality by reducing radiation-induced sample motion.

SUBMITTER: Russo CJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4141966 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Controlling protein adsorption on graphene for cryo-EM using low-energy hydrogen plasmas.

Russo Christopher J CJ Passmore Lori A LA

Nature methods 20140420 6

Despite its many favorable properties as a sample support for biological electron microscopy, graphene is not widely used because its hydrophobicity precludes reliable protein deposition. We describe a method to modify graphene with a low-energy hydrogen plasma, which reduces hydrophobicity without degrading the graphene lattice. Use of plasma-treated graphene enables better control of protein distribution in ice for electron cryo-microscopy and improves image quality by reducing radiation-induc ...[more]

PMID: 24747813

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