Researchers have developed a graphene liquid cell that can be used together with the conventional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to view ‘soft materials’ in three-dimensional. The term ‘soft materials’ refers to a number of things, including biological compounds such as protein, plastics, DNA, flexible electronics, therapeutic drugs, and some types of photovoltaics.

Even though these materials form an integral part in our lives, it has been a challenge to study them conveniently. These materials (especially biological compounds) pose numerous questions, especially the way they behave at the nanoscale.

3D printing-DNA

Through a combination of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and their own unique graphene liquid cell, the researchers have recorded the three-dimensional motion of DNA connected to gold nanocrystals. This is the first time TEM has been used for 3D dynamic imaging of so-called soft materials. Conventionally, TEM focuses a beam of electrons on the soft materials to illuminate and magnify them as means of providing a resolution used to study their properties. This technique, unlike the use of light, requires a high vacuum setting since molecules in the air perturb the electron beam. In such a high vacuum environment, liquids evaporate. This necessitates soft materials that are highly viscous to be sealed hermetically using special solid containers. These containers, called cells, have a viewing window through which the TEM forms an image.

For some time now, these viewing windows have been made of silicon which limits the resolution of the soft materials under study because of its thickness. It also disturbs the soft materials’ natural state. To overcome these challenges, researchers have now developed a liquid cell made from graphene membrane, which is one atom thick.

They bonded two opposing graphene sheets to form a sealed nanoscale chamber. This chamber has within it a stable aqueous solution which is transparent to the electron beams of the TEM. This minimizes the loss of imaging electrons as well as provides a very high resolution which is touted to be very useful in studying soft materials.

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Much have been made of the exceptional qualities of graphene, from its ability to conduct electricity and heat more than any other material known today, to its unequaled strength. Graphene can repel bullets better than Kevlar if it’s worked into a composite material. It is also among the most impermeable materials known to man making it an ideal substance as a barrier film.

This marvel material is destined to transform the world with its exceptional properties. Biological engineering is one field in which graphene is going to revolutionize. There is however some obstacles that needs to be overcome before it is used.

graphene

It is estimated that graphene will be used in biological engineering in about 15 years’ time.  Scientists are currently working on important moderations that will precede the use of graphene in this important field.  Understanding its biocompatibility will have to take numerous clinical, safety and regulatory tests which will take quite some time.

With graphene offering very high electrical conductivity, large surface area, thinness and mass strength it would make a perfect material to substitute what is currently used in the manufacture of bio-electric sensory devices. Graphene is going to make the devices work much faster than they are currently.   With graphene bio-metric sensory devices are also going to have an extra ability of not only measuring, but also monitoring such things as hemoglobin levels, glucose levels, and the DNA sequence.

With the advancement of technology and use of graphene and other 2D (Two Dimensional) materials eventually we may see engineered graphene that can be used as an antibiotic or for cancer treatment.

Since graphene is made from carbon it is potentially bio-compatible. It is therefore, likely to be used in the process of tissue regeneration.

As the study of graphene continues we expect to know more areas where graphene can be used in biological engineering.

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