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Method of imaging low density lipoproteins by atomic force microscopy
Author(s) -
Chouinard Julie A.,
Khalil Abdelouahed,
Vermette Patrick
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
microscopy research and technique
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.536
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1097-0029
pISSN - 1059-910X
DOI - 10.1002/jemt.20492
Subject(s) - oblate spheroid , atomic force microscopy , chemistry , microscopy , materials science , nanotechnology , optics , physics , classical mechanics
This short paper reports a simple method to image low density lipoproteins (LDL) using atomic force microscopy (AFM). This instrument allows imaging of biological samples in liquid and presents the advantage of needing no sample preparation such as staining or fixation that may affect their general structure. Dimensions (diameter and height) of individual LDL particles were successfully measured. AFM imaging revealed that LDL have a quasi‐spherical structure on the x and y axis with an oblate spheroid structure in the z axis (i.e., height). LDLs were found to have an average diameter of 23 ± 3 nm. The obtained mean height was 10 ± 2 nm. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.