Sciences) and holey carbon grids (HC200-Cu, Electron Microscopy Sciences)
were plasma treated (15 s, O2/H2) on a Gatan
Solaris plasma cleaner. Samples for TEM were prepared by adding a
4 μL sample to the grid and incubating for 30 s, after which
excess solution was blotted off with filter paper, and the sample
was dried overnight. Samples for cryo-TEM were prepared with a Leica
EM GP automatic plunge freezer. Samples (4 μL) were added to
a grid in an environmental chamber (relative humidity 90%, temperature
20 °C). Excess suspension was blotted on filter paper, and the
obtained film was vitrified in liquid ethane. Samples were stored
in liquid nitrogen until the day of use.
TEM samples were imaged
on a JEOL 2100F or JEOL 2100Plus using 200 kV, while cryo-TEM samples
were imaged only on the JEOL 2100Plus using 200 kV with the minimum
dose system. Cryo-TEM samples were imaged at −170 °C on
a Gatan914 cryo-holder for cryo-TEM imaging. Micrographs were taken
using the Gatan Orius SC1000 camera at a magnification of either 30 000×
or 15 000×.