# Innovative stain-free technique for high-resolution imaging of virus particles via standard transmission electron microscopy

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new, stain-free method for high-resolution imaging of viruses using standard electron microscopy, improving virus research and diagnosis.

## Contribution

The novel technique eliminates toxic staining and enables high-resolution 2D and 3D imaging of viruses using standard TEM.

## Key findings

- Begomovirus particles were imaged with confirmed non-enveloped structure and twin icosahedral symmetry.
- The method uses sample crystallization to achieve remarkable image quality without staining.
- The approach provides a new avenue for virus structure analysis and diagnosis.

## Abstract

This research presents a groundbreaking approach in virus-related research, addressing challenges in electron microscopy (EM). This imaging technique has been crucial in exploring virus structures; however, traditional methods involve complex sample preparations and the risk of contamination. Herein, we introduce an approach that overcomes these obstacles, enabling high-resolution virus imaging without toxic staining procedures. Focusing on Begomovirus particles, an economically significant plant virus genus, our images confirm their non-enveloped structure and their twin icosahedral symmetry. Our methods involve sample collection, purification, and crystallization, followed by transmission electron microscopy - selected area electron diffraction (TEM-SAED) analysis. Notably, this study achieves 2D and 3D virus imaging through standard TEM, providing a new avenue for virus structure analysis and advancing virus-related research. Remarkable high image quality stemmed from the crystallization process, offering exciting possibilities for improving virus research and diagnosis while eliminating staining limitations.