In:
Scientific Reports, Springer Science and Business Media LLC, Vol. 12, No. 1 ( 2022-05-12)
Abstract:
Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is an essential method in virology because it allows for direct visualization of virus morphology at a nanometer scale. Negative staining to coat virions with heavy metal ions must be performed before TEM observations to achieve sufficient contrast. Herein, we report that potassium salts of Preyssler-type phosphotungstates (K (15-n) [P 5 W 30 O 110 M n+ ], M = Na + , Ca 2+ , Ce 3+ , Eu 3+ , Bi 3+ , or Y 3+ ) are high-performance negative staining reagents. Additionally, we compare the staining abilities of these salts to those of uranyl acetate and Keggin-type phosphotungstate. The potassium salt of Preyssler-type phosphotungstates has the advantage of not requiring prior neutralization because it is a neutral compound. Moreover, the potassium counter-cation can be protonated by a reaction with H + -resin, allowing easy exchange of protons with other cations by acid–base reaction. Therefore, the counter-cations can be changed. Encapsulated cations can also be exchanged, and clear TEM images were obtained using Preyssler-type compounds with different encapsulated cations. Preyssler-type phosphotungstates may be superior negative staining reagents for observing virus. Polyoxotungstates (tungsten-oxide molecules with diverse molecular structures and properties) are thus promising tools to develop negative staining reagents for TEM observations.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
2045-2322
DOI:
10.1038/s41598-022-11405-3
Language:
English
Publisher:
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Publication Date:
2022
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2615211-3
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