Affinity Capture Cryogenic-Electron Tomography Reveals Extracellular Filaments
Cryogenic-electron tomography (cryo-ET) offers detailed nanoscale visualization of cellular structures by preserving biological samples at cryogenic temperatures combined with electron tomography techniques. However, positioning non-adherent cells like lymphocytes on grids for imaging remains difficult.
Introduction of Affinity Capture Strategy
This study presents a micropatterning and affinity capture method to immobilize minimally adherent cells such as human T cells and Jurkat cells on grids. This approach enhances sample preparation for cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) milling and cryo-ET data collection.
Key Advantages of Affinity Capture
- Consistently positions cells in optimal locations for imaging.
- Allows vitrification and efficient cryo-FIB milling workflow.
- Produces grids with sufficient well-arranged cells for complete cryo-FIB sessions.
Discovery of Extracellular Filamentous Structures
Using this affinity capture system, nanoscale imaging of Jurkat cells uncovered previously unrecognized extracellular filamentous formations around the cells.
"Our affinity capture system facilitated the nanoscale imaging of Jurkat cells, revealing extracellular filamentous structures."
Applications and Future Perspectives
This technique can be adapted to enhance high-resolution cryo-ET imaging of both adherent and non-adherent cell types, improving the study of cellular architecture in diverse biological contexts.
Author’s summary: The affinity capture method improves cryo-ET positioning of non-adherent cells, enabling new discoveries of extracellular filaments and enhancing imaging workflows.