Cryotransmission electron microscopy of thin vitrified samples

During the past few years cryotransmission electron microscopy (EM) of vitrified thin samples has gained acceptance as a standard method in the arsenal of the colloid and interface scientist. The seemingly direct visualization of fluid colloidal structures during the use of cryotransmission EM is both convincing and reliable to the scientist who nowadays has an increasing awareness of the limitations and pitfalls of instrumentation. Notable recent observations include branched threadlike micelles, faceted particles (cubosomes) of a dispersed cubic phase and transitions of certain structures from globular micelles via bilayers to reversed structures. These transitions may be caused by changes of composition, temperature, pH, or salt concentration.