Virus Electron Microscopy Service
Viruses are submicroscopic infectious agents that can replicate only in living cells of animals, plants, or bacteria. The size, shape and subunit structure of different viruses vary wildly. The size of viruses usually ranges from 0.02 to 0.3μm, and some viruses can be up to 1μm in size. Electron microscopy (EM) is one of foundational imaging techniques and has played an important role in qualitative and quantitative detection of the virus. Based on a series of electron microscopy analysis methods, the structural characteristics, and specific sizes of viruses can be accurately identified, providing valuable information for diagnosis, treatment as well as vaccine development. With advanced instruments and a team of skillful scientists, Creative Proteomics offers virus electron microscopy service which is part of our integrated portfolio of virus detection and identification services. Here, we mainly employ the widely used transmission electron microscope (TEM) for rapid detection and identification of viruses. We are committed to accelerating multiple virus relevant research, including differential diagnosis of the virus, viral structure studies as well as the mechanism of virus-host cell interactions.
Transmission electron microscope (TEM) for virus detection
With the progress achieved in electron microscope (EM) technique and various sample preparation technologies, EM can gradually meet the needs of ultrastructural analysis of viruses, dynamic observation and quantitative detection of viruses. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) is the only imaging technique allowing the direct visualization of viruses. TEM is comprised of three main parts, including electronic system, vacuum system and electronic optical system. The principle of this technique is based on high-energy electrons passing through ultra-thin sample, and followed by forming high-resolution images of viruses at an ultrastructural level (including internal/external two-dimensional information of viruses). Therefore, TEM has the advantages of high resolution and magnification, although it requires a relatively complex sample preparation. At present, as a diagnostic tool for identifying viruses, TEM has assisted the discovery of many types of viruses.
Fig 1. Diagnosis of viral infections by transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
Herpesvirus, parapoxvirus, rotavirus and adenovirus. (Roingeard, P., et al., 2019)
Electron microscopy service in Creative Proteomics
Based on imaging platform and a team of skillful scientists, Creative Proteomics provides a full range of TEM services, including sample collection, sample preparation, image acquisition. Our infrastructure and experienced technical team enable us to accept many types of biological samples, involving plant, animal, bacterial and pathological specimens. In addition, our experienced experts have the capability to provide guidance on experimental design for the most appropriate sample collection, preparation and evaluation. We also offer professional consultation on images and results.
Our specific services include, but are not limited to:
- Virus particles are accurately observed
- Virus particle quantification
- Identifying viruses in biological samples
In addition to the regular service, we also provide customized service for your special samples and specific requirements.
TEM has played an important role in understanding viruses and infectious diseases. Morphology is an important basis for virus classification. TEM affords visibility of ultrastructural features of viruses and morphogenesis, which is valuable for clinical diagnosis of unknown pathogens and other research. As a practitioner of TEM, Creative Proteomics has been supporting virus research from start-up clients to the largest pharmaceutical companies. We are dedicated to providing top quality images at rapid turnaround time. Please feel free to contact us about your electron microscopy needs in the field of virus research. We are looking forward to cooperating with you!
Reference
- Roingeard, P., et al. (2019). "Virus detection by transmission electron microscopy: Still useful for diagnosis and a plus for biosafety." Reviews in medical virology, 29(1), e2019.
* For research use only.
