Premium
Optimizing environmental scanning electron microscopy of spheroidal reaggregated neuronal cultures
Author(s) -
Uroukov Ivan S.,
Patton David
Publication year - 2008
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.20621
Subject(s) - spheroid , scanning electron microscope , transmission electron microscopy , biophysics , electron microscope , environmental scanning electron microscope , microscopy , surface (topology) , materials science , electrophysiology , nanotechnology , chemistry , optics , biology , composite material , physics , neuroscience , geometry , biochemistry , mathematics , in vitro
Abstract Electrophysiological recordings from hen embryo brain spheroidal reaggregates on penetrating 3D multielectrode arrays could be understood more easily if the surface structure was known in more detail. Electrophysiological activity, as grouped spikes in trains, is acquired from spheroids, indicating the inner formation a neuronal network. To this end, spheroids can be observed by environmental scanning electron microscopy. Live spheroids collapse when the supporting water is evaporated. By careful adjustment of the chamber pressure it is possible to observe fully hydrated fixed spheroids. A thin film of water tends to prevent a clear view of the surface detail. This can be evaporated to reveal the surface while taking steps to avoid both inadvertent shrinkage and rewetting. Conventional SEM shows a very different surface that is rich in protruding cell bodies and fibers. The images are compared and interpreted with some images of the surface using transmission electron microscopy. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.