Electron Microscopic Studies of Viruses Labeled with Magnetite

• Published in: MICROBIOLOGY and IMMUNOLOGY Vol. 33; no. 7; pp. 593 - 599
• Main Authors: Mizutani, Hiromichi, Mizutani, Hiroko, Nozaki, Kiyoe, Fujiwara, Koichi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Tokyo Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.01.1989; Center For Academic Publications Japan; Center for Academic Publications Japan
• Subjects: Antibodies; Antibodies, Viral - immunology; Antibody Affinity; Biological and medical sciences; Ferrosoferric Oxide; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Humans; Iron; Microbiology; Orthomyxoviridae - immunology; Orthomyxoviridae - ultrastructure; Oxides; Techniques used in virology; Virion - ultrastructure; Virology; Virus; Magnetite; Antibody; Tagging; Orthomyxoviridae; Detection; Electron microscopy; Influenzavirus
• ISSN: 0385-5600; 1348-0421
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1348-0421.1989.tb02009.x

We were able to develop a method with which to successfully and specifically detect virus particles under the electron microscope by using magnetite. This method was devised on the principle that magnetite-labeled antibody or magnetite coupled with protein A selectively bind virus or antibody-treated virus particles on the electron microscope grid by the action of an electromagnet. Another advantage characterizing the technique is the possibility of detection of a small number of virus particles. This is done through a process of concentration and purification of the reaction complexes trapped rigidly by magnetic force.