Visualisation of Ti3C2TX MXenes in eukaryotic cells by Transmission Electron Microscopy

Abstract

We used TEM metal grids with vacuum deposited carbon support films. However, traditionally used Cu grids were too toxic for the cells. We then attempted to grow cells on the carbon film sprayed on the plastic culture dish. We postulated that the pieces of such plastic along with the film with the fixed cells could be dissolved in chloroform, releasing the film with the firmly attached cells. We tried to dissolve the plastic on the interface of chloroform and water, with the idea that the carbon film would float to the water surface, where it could be caught by the grid. However, the dissolved plastic was forming thin layers on top of water and prevented catching the carbon films. We then tried to dissolve the plastic in chloroform only. It was indeed possible to locate the released film in the transmission light and catch it with the grids. However, such approach gave unsatisfactory results due to intensive jamming of the carbon films with the cells.