Light-Induced In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy for Observation of the Liquid-Soft Matter Interaction

Summary

The present protocol describes transmission electron microscope (TEM) modifications with a light illumination system, the fabrication of liquid cells, and in situ TEM observations of light-induced interactions between bacterial cells and a photosensitizer. The sample preparation methods, electron beam damage, and imaging are also discussed.

Abstract

The current protocol describes the modifications of the transmission electron microscope (TEM) setup for in situ light-induced observations. A glass optical fiber inserted into the electron column above the objective lens polepiece, and a laser, an adjustable light source, was used to fabricate the device. After the illuminator has been calibrated using an external measuring system, it allows one to adjust the intensity of the lighting to the needs of the observed process. This lighting system was utilized to image antimicrobial photodynamic therapy phenomena, which are currently the subject of intense research. The sample was prepared by spotting a suspension of bacteria on a carbon, graphene, or silicon nitride substrate, blotting the excess solution, spotting the photosensitizer solution, blotting the excess liquid again, and then assembling the liquid cell with a second substrate or graphene film. The process of the imaging experiment itself includes choosing the right place for observation with the use of low magnification and a minimum dose of electrons, and then cyclical activation of the light source to capture subsequent images at specified intervals with the minimum amount of electrons necessary. The electron dose of each exposure and the time and intensity of lighting used need to be carefully recorded due to the complexity of the observed phenomena as, at the same time, the process is both light- and electron-driven. After the actual experiment is performed, additional control observations must be made, in which the same doses of electrons are used but without additional light influence and smaller doses of electrons are used for higher doses of light. This makes it possible to distinguish light-induced microstructural effects from those caused by electrons in both the fields of life and materials science.

Introduction

Light-induced phenomena in high resolution are interesting in many fields such as nanoengineering^1,2,3, catalysis^4,5, and biophotonics⁶. Some original designs that allow such experiments can be found in the literature,including modifications of the sample holders^1,4,7,8,9 and the optical fiber attached to the microscope^10,11.

The combination of light illumination, a liquid environment, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) gives a great opportunity for detailed, dynamical studies of photo-induced processes. However, the high-vacuum condition inside the microscope is rather unfavorable for many liquids, especially water solutions. Liquid encapsulation, which protects it from the environment, can be achieved using a few techniques based mainly on graphene¹², silicon nitride¹³, or carbon¹⁴ substrates. In addition to research in materials science², so-called liquid cells offer possibilities for conducting unconventional microscopic observations on biological specimens near their native conditions¹⁵. Such observations are extremely demanding, especially for living microorganisms such as bacterial cells. The electron beam as ionizing radiation causes irreversible damage to the hydrated specimens, so the electron dose must be specified¹⁶. This is necessary to minimize unfavorable effects, control the damage, and avoid confusing artifacts. The optimal maximum electron dose that allows observations of living cells is still a questionable topic¹⁶, but the dose of 30 e⁻/nm² appears to be the threshold value, at least for bacteria¹⁷.

Some of the subjects of interest for such microscopic studies are processes during antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT)¹⁸. In short, the therapy proceeds as follows. The bacterial cells are surrounded by the photosensitive liquid called photosensitizer. When light illumination is given at a specific wavelength, the cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) are generated from energy or charge transfer from the excited photosensitizer molecules to the oxygen naturally present in the solution. Pathogens exposed to ROS are quickly inactivated with very high efficiency, with no side effects¹⁹. The response to the therapy varies for distinct microbes – for example, the impact of the same photosensitizer may be quite different for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria²⁰. In general, it has been established that the main target of ROS is the outer structures of cells, where damage results in functional disorders of the cell membrane and, consequently, lead to the death of bacteria^21,22. However, damage to nucleic acids and proteinscan also be considered a cause of inactivation¹⁸, so it is still unknown which cell structures are the main targets during this process¹⁹. A deeper understanding of the damaging processes could help to improve this definitive therapy. Compared to the light microscopy methods used in APDT research²³, TEM techniques give more possibilities to look at the APDT mechanism with higher resolution and magnification²⁴. TEM has already been successfully used for cell observation during ongoing therapy, which allowed us to study Gram-positive bacteriadamage and describe the changesoccurring within the cell wall in detail^6,25.

The current protocol presents a suitable experimental setup for high-resolution imaging of light-induced bacteria inactivation using TEM, which requires a proper light illumination system, the encapsulation of cells with a liquid, and strict electron dose control. The bacteria used for the observation was Staphylococcus aureus, and a methylene blue solution was used as a photosensitizer. The special light illumination setup comprises a tunable semiconductor laser connected directly to the microscope column using the light fiber. This design provides uniform irradiation throughout the sample because of the almost-parallel placement of the optical fiber to the microscope axis. Monochromatic light of high intensity generated by the laser can then be used to study various photochemical effects. The light used in the experiment had a wavelength equal to 660 nm because, in the visible region, methylene blue has absorption peaks at 613 nm and 664 nm²⁶. The protocol for liquid encapsulation is based on carbon substrates, which makes the procedure quick and uncomplicated. Finally, a method for low-dose in situ TEM observation of cells in liquid is presented. The difficulties regarding sample preparation, the electron dose effects on the sensitive specimen, and reasonable image interpretation are discussed.

Protocol

1. Transmission electron microscope modification

1. Modify the transmission electron microscope by connecting the optical fiber (see Table of Materials) to the microscope column at the top of the objective lens. Allow a few centimeters of space between the objective lens and the condenser lens, plus a free slot for accessories.
   NOTE: A dedicated sample holder⁴ or a holder for cathodoluminescent observations in reverse configuration¹ can also be employed.
2. Check the system for leaks using rough vacuum pumps. If the system does not show a vacuum leak, test the system under a high vacuum.
   1. Check that the actuation of the vacuum system does not deviate from the standard vented microscope start. In case of problems with the execution, assembly, or commissioning of the module, contact authorized service personnel or the device manufacturer.
      NOTE: The correctly made and mounted illuminator will not obscure the electron beam. If the beam shifts successively during the microscope's operation, the nonconductive optical fiber will not be sufficiently covered with a metal shield and will accumulate an electric charge. In this case, slide the optical fiber deep into the conducting jacket.
3. Measure the light intensity using the photodiode power sensor (see Table of Materials). If the space between the pole pieces of the objective lens does not allow measurement inside the microscope, measure the geometry of the sample and the illuminator and reproduce these conditions in an external measurement setup.
4. If the microscope is not equipped with an electron dose measurement system, perform the calibration by measuring the beam current with a Faraday cup (see Table of Materials) and numerically calculating the density of electrons hitting the specimen²⁷.

2. Encapsulation of bacteria with the photosensitizer

1. Place two untreated TEM grids covered with amorphous carbon between two crossed tweezers facing the carbon-coated side to the top. Hold the grids as close to the edge as possible.
   NOTE: For certain substrate, solution, and sample combinations, it may be beneficial to use glow discharge on one or both meshes to remove factory impurities and obtain a maximum hydrophilic surface²⁸. Using the example of S. aureus bacteria and methylene blue solution, it was determined that the best and most reproducible results were obtained on new, non-treated carbon on copper grids without additional glow discharge or plasma cleaning⁶.
2. Put 4 µL of bacteria solution on one of the grids. The optical density of the sample must be in the range of 5-10.
   NOTE: The bacteria used in the study were purified from the culture and dispersed in PBS buffer. It is highly recommended to check the concentration of bacteria in the fresh sample each time using it, e.g., using negative staining methods, following the established protocols available^29,30,31.
3. Wait for 60 s and carefully blot the liquid using filter paper. Try to spread the liquid throughout the entire grid surface during this process.
4. Put 4 µL of photosensitizer on the same grid.
   NOTE: Methylene blue at a concentration of 2 µg/mL was used as the photosensitizer for the present study.
5. After 5 s, blot out the liquid. Leave a very thin layer of liquid on the substrate.
6. Quickly place the dry grid on top of the one covered with liquid.
7. Gently move the upper grid to the edge of the second one and squeeze the substrates at the edges using tweezers.
   NOTE: Some liquid may flow out of the sample at this stage, which means that not enough was drained off. However, this does not necessarily mean that the formation of the liquid cell will be unsuccessful.
8. Carefully repeat the squeeze.
   NOTE: It is easier to perform this step by rotating the tweezers by 90° so that they lie perpendicular to the table and both tweezers' tips remain at the same height, not depending on the open/close position.
9. Leave the liquid cell between the tweezers for 1 min.
10. Insert the sample into the TEM holder right after finishing the preparation.
    NOTE: The tension of the holder mounting plate/ring will help the substrates to adhere and keep the liquid inside.
    1. If possible, pump the specimen holder into an external pumping station to reduce the contamination of the microscope by evaporating liquid.

3. In situ TEM observations of bacterial cells in liquid-electron dose effect

1. Insert the sample into the microscope.
2. Start the observations in low magnification mode to find a suitable observation area.
   NOTE: Darker areas are most likely to be liquid because of electron beam scattering.
   1. During the observations, keep the electron dose as low as possible. Expand the exposure time (up to 2 s for an accelerating voltage of 150 kV and a magnification of 5,000x). The magnification of 5,000x for the bottom-mount camera (approximate field of view is 10 µm) is sufficient to image bacteria with a diameter of ~1 µm.
      NOTE: Sometimes, it is not easy to distinguish the liquid, so, at the beginning of the observations, it is helpful to focus the electron beam where it is likely to be liquid. The liquid should move upon a focused electron beam, and the bubbles will appear. After this verification, it is necessary to find another area for further observations.
3. Find the cells surrounded by liquid at the appropriate magnification with extended exposure time and capture the first image immediately. Keep the electron dose constant and collect images every 30 s to observe the changes.
4. Carefully examine the images and calculate the total electron dose²⁷ that corresponds to the first visible changes in the cells.

4. In situ TEM observations of light-induced processes between bacterial cells and photosensitizer

1. Before starting the experiment, set the laser light intensity by adjusting the current value. Choose the appropriate wavelength according to the absorption spectrum of the photosensitizer. According to the previous calibration plot (step 1.4.), choose the current value corresponding to the lowest light intensity.
   NOTE: The light wavelength used in this study was 660 nm.
2. Insert the sample into the microscope and find the observation area following step 3.2. in the previous section.
3. Capture the first image of the cell before starting illumination of the sample and use the beam blanker to turn off the electron beam to avoid the effects of electron irradiation.
4. Turn on the laser. Start with a short illumination time (here 30 s) as the laser light has relatively high intensity. After that time, turn off the light source.
5. Turn off the beam blanker and capture the image immediately. If possible, use an automatic algorithm to expose the sample only for the time needed for taking the image. Carefully measure the electron irradiation time to calculate the electron dose²⁷ used for imaging.
6. Repeat step 4.4. and step 4.5. to obtain the expected light illumination time.

Results

The experimental setup was designed to observe the light-induced processes occurring in a liquid with high resolution. The competitive analysis of the images allowed us to distinguish the damage caused by the electron beam from changes related to the photochemical reaction. The effect of the electron beam on the sensitive specimen (in this case, the cells encapsulated with liquid) was visible all over the irradiated area as the electrons penetrated through it uniformly. Of course, the effect depends on the electron dose,...

Discussion

The installation and commissioning of the illuminator require basic service knowledge and can damage the microscope. The simplest way to introduce the light to the microscope is to connect the optical fiber from the top of the objective lens, where there is usually room for the TEM deflection coils and additional detectors. More free space can also be expected from older top-entry devices, where the same location houses the sample vacuum lock and the sample installation mechanism. This configuration is widely described i...

Materials

List of materials used in this article

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
Carbon film on 200 mesh copper grid	Agar Scientific	AGS160	The standard TEM grids for observations and liquid cell preparation
Crossover Tweezers	Dumont	N5	The tweezers are neecesarry for liquid cell preparation
Photodiode Power Sensor	ThorLabs	S130C	The sensor used for light intensity measurement
Polyimide-Coated Multimode Fiber	Thorlabs	FG400UEP	Must be built into the microscope using the on-site built adapter, according to the 10.1016/j.ultramic.2021.113388
Transmission Electron Microscope	Hitachi	H-800	Can be replaced with any side-entry microscope, available for modification
Tuneable Diode Laser	CNI	MRL-III-660D	The light wavelength must be chosen basing on photosensitizer's absorption spectrum