Direct observation of biomolecular dynamics by a pulsed electron microscope

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 21H02440
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B)
• Allocation Type: Single-year Grants
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 43040:Biophysics-related
• Research Institution: Nagoya University
• Principal Investigator: Narita Akihiro 名古屋大学, 理学研究科, 准教授 (30360613)
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 電子顕微鏡 / その場観察 / 溶液動態

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Improvements were made to the liquid cell for high-resolution observation of solution structure dynamics using pulse electron microscopy, and observations were conducted with a conventional electron microscope using this cell. A 60 nm thick gold spacer and a liquid reservoir in the center were introduced into the liquid cell. These modifications significantly enhanced the stability of solution observations. Additionally, a new liquid cell using carbon nitride instead of the traditionally used silicon nitride for the observation window was developed. This change greatly reduced non-specific adsorption observed with silicon nitride. Using these liquid cells, we successfully captured the fusion of lipid droplets in emulsions and the rapid Brownian motion of gold colloids. We also developed a method for stable temperature control.

Free Research Field

生物物理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究期間では、残念ながら新世代パルス電子顕微鏡の立ち上げは間に合わなかったが、溶液セルの開発、観察条件の検討としては十分な成果が得られた。新世代のパルス電子銃の開発は終わっており、私たちのグループも加わって透過型電子顕微鏡への搭載を加速している。本研究の成果と新世代パルス電子顕微を組み合わせることで、nmオーダーの分解能で溶液中の分子、リポソーム、エマルジョンなどの溶液構造をリアルタイムで捉えることができる。これは医学、薬学、農学、生物学、食品、化粧品など広い分野にまったく新しい知見をもたらすだろう。