Gold nanoparticles for immunogold localization of antigens in plant tissues

Abstract

Here we describe postembedding immunoelectron microscopic technique applied to ultrathin sections of plant material. The method relies on the use of gold nanoparticles. The methods include tissue fixation, dehydration, embedding of plant specimens, and staining of semithin and ultrathin sections. The described method is suitable for localization of antigens including proteins (peroxisomal enzymes) and a low molecular substance such as ginsenoide-Rb1. © 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.