J. Phys. IV France 104 (2003) 345
DOI: 10.1051/jp4:200300096

Soft X-ray contact microscopy and transmission electron microscopy: Comparative study of biological samples

T. Limongi¹, L. Palladino^{1, 2}, E. Bernieri³, G. Tomassetti¹, L. Reale¹, F. Flora⁴, P. Cesare⁵, C. Ercole⁵, P. Aimola⁵ and A.M. Ragnelli<sup>5

1</sup>  Physics Department, L'Aquila University, Italy
²  Prof. Libero Palladino, Physics Department, L'Aquila University, 67010 Coppito, L'Aquila, Italy
³  INFN, National Laboratory of Frascati, Italy
⁴  ENEA, Frascati, Italy
⁵  Basic and Applied Biology Department, L'Aquila University, Italy

Abstract
Isolated cellular organelles (mitochondria, chloroplasts) and cultured bacteria were analysed both by soft X-ray contact microscopy (SXCM), and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) after negative staining. For each sample, a comparison was performed between images obtained with either technique, with the aim of facilitating the interpretation of SXCM images. The validity and the limits of this comparative approach are discussed.

© EDP Sciences 2003