Researchers from the Michigan Technological University managed to take electron microscope images of hydrated proteins using graphene. The graphene was used as the encapsulation layer which caused the water to stay out while the electrons passed freely. This is because graphene is impermeable to water.
The researchers explain that up until now hydrated samples had to be frozen and then cut in thin pieces so the electrons can pass through. But then the samples were changed of course compared to the original ones. To test the technique, the researchers first tried it on ferritin, a an important protein that stores and releases iron.
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Posted: Feb 05,2014 by Ron Mertens