Work

Sample preparation optimisation for array tomography volume EM of entire organisms: a case study for marine larvae

Year: 2026

Type: preprint

Abstract: Serial-sectioning electron microscopy allows the exploration of the 3D ultrastructure of cells, tissues or whole organisms. Sample preparation is a critical step for this technique, which determines the quality of downstream imaging and analysis. Here we optimize a high-pressure freezing sample-preparation workflow for larvae of the marine annelid Platynereis dumerilii. We tested several fixation and staining methods and screened a large number of specimens by synchrotron X-ray imaging to evaluate specimen integrity and contrast. We further evaluated selected blocks by array tomography SEM to select the best performing protocols. Our protocols and robust workflow could be adapted to similar marine planktonic organisms including ciliated invertebrate larvae.

Source: bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)

DOI: 10.64898/2026.10.06.756938

Authors: Kata Szabó, Alexandra Kerbl, Karel Mocaer, Angelika Svetlove, Alexandra Pacureanu, Gáspár Jékely

Institutions: Heidelberg University, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Electron Microscopy Techniques and Applications

Subfield: Structural Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: European Commission, European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, HORIZON EUROPE Framework Programme

Awards: G2413190696, G635446687, G6792339234