Enhanced electron microscopy imaging for a detailed structural study of alginate hydrogel containing the encapsulated cells
The result's identifiers
Result code in IS VaVaI
<a href="https://www.isvavai.cz/riv?ss=detail&h=RIV%2F68081731%3A_____%2F25%3A00638974" target="_blank" >RIV/68081731:_____/25:00638974 - isvavai.cz</a>
Result on the web
<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0144861725010240" target="_blank" >https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0144861725010240</a>
DOI - Digital Object Identifier
<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.124239" target="_blank" >10.1016/j.carbpol.2025.124239</a>
Alternative languages
Result language
angličtina
Original language name
Enhanced electron microscopy imaging for a detailed structural study of alginate hydrogel containing the encapsulated cells
Original language description
Hydrogels are widely applicable in medicine, biotechnology, etc. A specific example is bacterial alginate produced by plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium Azotobacter vinelandii, which encapsulates the cells within its hydrogel network, offering promising applications in agriculture. To better understand the properties and behaviour of hydrogel, it is important to study its architecture. However, due to high-water content and fine structure of hydrogel samples, their preparation for electron microscopy is challenging. In this study, we developed an optimised protocol for preparing complex samples of A. vinelandii cells encapsulated in alginate hydrogel for imaging by low-voltage scanning transmission electron microscopy. Our approach addresses structural instability and artefact formation typically encountered during sample dehydration and staining. We demonstrated that careful timing of CaCl2 addition, after initial fixation, is essential. Equally important is the careful selection of its concentration to maintain hydrogel integrity while preserving cellular morphology. The inclusion of lead citrate staining step enhanced the contrast within hydrogel matrix, allowing for improved visualisation of fine details. This refined protocol enables high-resolution imaging of alginate-based hydrogels containing embedded cells while preserving the key structural features. It is compatible with various transmission electron microscopy techniques and may be adapted for use with other soft biomaterials.
Czech name
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Czech description
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Classification
Type
J<sub>imp</sub> - Article in a specialist periodical, which is included in the Web of Science database
CEP classification
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OECD FORD branch
20903 - Bioproducts (products that are manufactured using biological material as feedstock) biomaterials, bioplastics, biofuels, bioderived bulk and fine chemicals, bio-derived novel materials
Result continuities
Project
Result was created during the realization of more than one project. More information in the Projects tab.
Continuities
I - Institucionalni podpora na dlouhodoby koncepcni rozvoj vyzkumne organizace
Others
Publication year
2025
Confidentiality
S - Úplné a pravdivé údaje o projektu nepodléhají ochraně podle zvláštních právních předpisů
Data specific for result type
Name of the periodical
Carbohydrate Polymers
ISSN
0144-8617
e-ISSN
1879-1344
Volume of the periodical
368
Issue of the periodical within the volume
2
Country of publishing house
GB - UNITED KINGDOM
Number of pages
9
Pages from-to
124239
UT code for WoS article
001561887400001
EID of the result in the Scopus database
2-s2.0-105013584964