[ad_1]
New images of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus demonstrate the potential of helium ion microscopy in bioimaging, particularly for imaging the interactions between viruses and their host organisms.
This helium ion microscope image shows particles of the SARS-CoV-2 virus (blue). Image credit: N. Frese / University of Bielefeld.
Helium ion microscopy offers the possibility of obtaining direct views of biological samples such as cell structures, viral particles and microbial interactions.
Imaging with this technique combines sub-nanometer resolution, large depth of field and high surface sensitivity.
Because of its charge-compensating ability, helium ion microscopy can image insulating biological samples without additional conductive coatings.
“This conductive coating changes the surface structure of the sample,” said Professor Armin Gölzhäuser, a researcher at the Faculty of Physics at the University of Bielefeld.
“Helium ion microscopy does not require a coating and therefore allows direct scanning.”
“Our study shows that the helium ion microscope is suitable for imaging coronaviruses – so precisely that the interaction between the virus and the host cell can be observed,” added Dr Natalie Frese, also of the Faculty of Physics of the University of Bielefeld.
Using the helium ion microscope, the researchers captured images of Vero E6 cells infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Their images reveal the 3D appearance of the virus and the surface of Vero E6 cells with an edge resolution of up to 1.3nm.
“Helium ion microscopy is well suited for imaging the cell’s defense mechanisms that take place at the cell membrane level,” said Professor Friedemann Weber, virologist at the Institute of Virology, Justus University -Liebig from Giessen.
“This method is a significant improvement for the imaging of the SARS-CoV-2 virus interacting with the infected cell,” said Professor Holger Sudhoff, chief medical officer of the University Clinic of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. facial of the University of Bielefeld.
“Helium microscopy can help better understand the infection process in people with COVID-19.”
The team’s article was published in the Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology.
_____
Natalie Frese et al. 2021. Imaging of Vero E6 cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 by helium ion microscopy. Beilstein J. Nanotechnol 12: 172-179; doi: 10.3762 / bjnano.12.13
[ad_2]
Source link