Graphene-coated Grids
Graphene-coated Grids - Related Videos
13:21
Graphene Coatings for Biomedical Implants
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Graphene offers potential as a coating material for biomedical implants. In this study we demonstrate a method for coating nitinol alloys with nanometer thick layers of graphene and determine how graphene may influence implant response.
06:53
Fabrication of Monolayer Graphene-Coated Grids for Cryoelectron Microscopy
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2023
Here, we describe a protocol for applying a single monolayer of graphene to electron microscopy grids and how to prepare them for use in cryoEM structure determination.
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Synthesis and Functionalization of 3D Nano-graphene Materials: Graphene Aerogels and Graphene Macro Assemblies
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Preparation of ZnO Nanorod/Graphene/ZnO Nanorod Epitaxial Double Heterostructure for Piezoelectrical Nanogenerator by Using Preheating Hydrothermal
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One-step fabrication method for obtaining freestanding epitaxial double heterostructure is presented. This approach could achieve ZnO coverage with a higher number density than that of the epitaxial single heterostructure, leading to a piezoelectric nanogenerator with an increased output electrical performance.
07:57
Application of Monolayer Graphene to Cryo-Electron Microscopy Grids for High-resolution Structure Determination
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Cited by 3 •
2023
The application of support layers to cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) grids can increase particle density, limit interactions with the air-water interface, reduce beam-induced motion, and improve the distribution of particle orientations. This paper describes a robust protocol for coating cryoEM grids with a monolayer of graphene for improved cryo-sample preparation.
FAQs
The graphene surface can adsorb proteins and other biomolecules across the grid openings, helping distribute particles within the imaged area. This arrangement may reduce direct interactions between particles and the air-water interface, a factor relevant to specimen behavior during cryogenic electron microscopy. More favorable particle placement can support single-particle analysis when biochemical samples are difficult to prepare.
An ultrathin graphene layer provides a stable support across the grid openings while retaining electrical conductivity. According to the source material, this support can limit movement of the specimen caused by the electron beam. Reduced beam-induced motion helps preserve image quality during data collection, which is important when researchers seek high-resolution structural information from biological macromolecules.
The main advantages are relevant to dilute samples and specimens that show preferred orientation, meaning particles tend to adopt limited views on the support. Graphene-coated grids may improve how such particles are distributed and represented for imaging. This makes them especially useful for challenging proteins, macromolecular complexes, and other biochemical specimens studied by cryo-EM.
Because the graphene film spans the grid openings, it supplies a continuous support where biomolecules can adsorb before imaging. This feature connects specimen preparation with later image quality by influencing particle distribution, air-water-interface interactions, and movement under the beam. The support is therefore relevant not only to grid stability but also to the behavior of the biochemical sample during imaging.
Researchers may choose these grids when conventional specimen preparation presents challenges such as low sample concentration or preferred particle orientation. The graphene layer can help distribute available particles and reduce unfavorable interactions at the air-water interface. In single-particle studies, these effects may improve the suitability of the specimen for collecting data from proteins or complexes.
These grids support high-resolution structural analysis of proteins, complexes, and other biological macromolecules. By helping maintain specimen stability and limiting beam-induced movement, they can contribute to improved cryo-EM data quality. The resulting images are used in single-particle studies to analyze structural features, particularly when specimen behavior would otherwise make reconstruction or interpretation more difficult.
Biochemistry often examines proteins and macromolecular complexes whose concentration, surface interactions, or particle orientation can complicate cryo-EM analysis. Graphene-coated grids address these specimen-level challenges by providing a conductive, stable surface that can adsorb biomolecules and support their imaging. Their use may therefore expand cryo-EM access to biochemical samples that are otherwise difficult to study.