Journal
CARBOHYDRATE POLYMERS
Volume 186, Issue -, Pages 429-438Publisher
ELSEVIER SCI LTD
DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2018.01.054
Keywords
Cellulose nanocrystals; Transmission electron microscopy; Stain; Dispersion; Contrast
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Funding
- Material Science and Engineering Department at Virginia Tech
- Endowment for Forestry and Communities (P3Nano)
- Investissements d'Avenir [ANR-11-LABX-0030]
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Characterization of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) is often complex and tedious. With their increased use for biological materials, polymer reinforcing agents, and other applications, better characterization methods of CNCs are needed to ensure product quality. However, because of their small size, hydrogen bonding, and low electron density, individual CNCs are difficult to image with high resolution and magnification using electron microscopy. Methods to help counter these challenges include staining for increased contrast and techniques to increase dispersion. This work tested several stains, dispersing agents, and sample supports to find a consistent method of individualizing CNCs and providing good contrast for imaging in transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The most consistent method found uses a low concentration of CNCs, bovine serum albumin as a dispersing agent, and Nanovan (R) as the contrasting stain on a silicon monoxide-coated Formvar TEM grid.
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