SMART Grids | BioGridsTM
BioGridsTM are functionalized SMART Grids that simplify and standardize sample preparation for biological electron microscopy. BioGridsTM are available as both grids and grid kits with a range of active surface chemistries that provide affinity for biological molecules and other soft materials. Covalent attachment of molecules including proteins, antibodies, viruses, and bacteria to BioGridsTM enable new opportunities for on-grid assays and purification of mixed solutions. Electrostatic, non-specific bonding of biomolecules to BioGridsTM results in uniform dispersions with rapid processing times.
BioGridsTM set a new standard for reproducible, repeatable and accurate microscopy of biological samples. Benefits include:
Fig 2. Bright-field TEM image of bacteriophage Phi29 covalently bonded to BioLysine grids. Sample stained with uranyl acetate
- Controlled dispersion of biomolecules and pharmaceuticals tethered directly to grid surface through linkers and/or antibodies.
- Concentration of viruses and biomolecules on surface from dilute solutions.
- Direct purification of target analyte on grid surface from complex solutions.
- A hydrophilic surface that is robust for multi-step liquid phase assays and processing.
- Improved reproducibility and repeatability.
- Low background for imaging of unstained biomolecules.
- Correlative analysis using broad range of complementary techniques.
- Uniform staining.
Dune Sciences offers a number of BioGridsTM configurations to help you visualize a broad range biomaterials and biological samples. More information about sample preparation can be found in our BioGrid Sample Preparation Video.
| BioGridsTM | ||||||
| Product Name | Description | Order | ||||
| BioPlus Grids | Hydrophilic grid with positive surface charge promotes non-specific bonding to a wide range of biological anions including carboxylates, phosphates, and sulfates. Promotes nonspecific bonding to proteins, antibodies, and virus particles. Examples: antibodies on TEM grids, rapid imaging of virus particles, negatively charged latex beads, dextran coated materials. |
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| BioMinus Grids | Hydrophilic grid with negative surface charge promotes non-specific affinity for positively charged surfaces including lysine residues and other lewis acids. Promotes nonspecific bonding to antibodies. Examples: Used to adsorb antibodies, proteins, and various other species. |
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| Protein A Grids | Protein A Grids are an affinity platform for small-scale isolation and purification of immunoglobulins and immunoprecipitation of proteins and viruses directly on the grid surface. Application: single particle analysis, viral diagnostics, cryoEM, wet-STEM, and structural biology. |
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| BioLysine Grids | Hydrophilic grids for covalent cross-linking of lysine groups on biological molecules to grid surface. Application: Antibody bonding, multi-step assays, concentrates virus particles. |
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| BioPEG Grids | Hydrophilic PEGylated surface provides prevents non-specific bonding of proteins to grid surface. Examples: Used to covalently link biomolecules to the PEG surface. |
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| BioHydrophobic Grids | Grids with hydrophobic coating for samples dispersed in organic solvents. Good wetting for non-polar organic solvents. Examples: lipids and fatty acids and pharmaceuticals. |
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| LinkedON Kits | Covalent attachment and cross-linking of antibodies and other biomolecules to grids. | |
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| Custom Grids | Dune Sciences can produce custom grid surfaces and configurations to meet individual needs. | |
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