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Modular microfluidics enables kinetic insight from time-resolved cryo-EM

Biology

Modular microfluidics enables kinetic insight from time-resolved cryo-EM

M. Mäeots, B. Lee, et al.

This groundbreaking research introduces a time-resolved sample preparation method using a modular microfluidic device, revolutionizing cryo-electron microscopy. Conducted by Märt-Erik Mäeots and colleagues, this technique allows for fast, automated, and blot-free sample vitrification, unveiling reaction intermediates of RecA filament growth on sub-second timescales, and showcasing its versatility for various biological inquiries.

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Playback language: English
Abstract
Understanding biochemical reactions requires characterizing both the structures and kinetics of the processes involved. This study introduces a time-resolved sample preparation method for cryo-electron microscopy (trEM) using a modular microfluidic device. This device enables automated, fast, and blot-free sample vitrification, preserving high-resolution structural detail and improving sample integrity. The method's effectiveness is validated by visualizing reaction intermediates of RecA filament growth on sub-second timescales. The trEM method is versatile and adaptable to various biological questions.
Publisher
Nature Communications
Published On
Jul 10, 2020
Authors
Märt-Erik Mäeots, Byungjin Lee, Andrea Nans, Seung-Geun Jeong, Mohammad M. N. Esfahani, Shan Ding, Daniel J. Smith, Chang-Soo Lee, Sung Sik Lee, Matthias Peter, Radoslav I. Enchev
Tags
cry-electron microscopy
biochemical reactions
sample preparation
microfluidic device
reaction intermediates
high-resolution structures

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