Abstract
The structural characterisation of high water content materials such as hydrogels is challenging due to the inherent properties of water that are dependent on conditions of temperature and pressure. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) has potential to offer the most authentic insights into the native structure of polysaccharide hydrogels, due to the ability to freeze the sample under conditions where transparent vitreous ice is formed. The advantages, challenges and constraints of cryo-SEM in characterising the porous matrix of alginate hydrogels are considered in this tutorial paper through examples from our own studies. Recommendations are proposed for the minimum methodological information that is required from researchers as part of the publication of their studies of hydrogel samples to enable critical appraisal of their cryo-SEM images.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
