Topic: Advances in Cryogenic Electron Microscopy and Microstructural Characterization of Biological Materials

Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) continues to transform the structural study of biological materials by enabling high-resolution visualization of macromolecules, cells, and tissues in near-native states. Ongoing developments in sample preparation strategies, imaging hardware, computational analysis, and practical applications are further expanding the capabilities of cryo-EM to reveal complex biological architectures with increasing accuracy and detail.

This Special Issue aims to highlight recent progress in cryo-EM and related microstructural characterization techniques, including both methodological advances and application-driven studies. We welcome original research articles and reviews on single-particle analysis, cryogenic electron tomography, in situ and correlative cryo-EM workflows, as well as studies demonstrating the application of cryo-EM to address specific biological or biomedical questions. Contributions describing emerging methods that improve spatial resolution, image contrast, and structural interpretation are also within the scope of this issue. In addition, studies integrating complementary tools—such as cryogenic focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) milling, machine learning, and multimodal imaging—are encouraged.

Advances in cryo-EM play an essential role in uncovering structure-function relationships, improving our understanding of cellular organization, and accelerating applications ranging from biomaterials design to drug discovery. Through this Special Issue, we aim to bring together interdisciplinary studies that will drive the next stage of innovation in both the development and application of cryo-EM for the microstructural characterization of biological systems.

Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), biological microstructures, microstructural characterization, cryogenic electron tomography, structural biology, image reconstruction, biomaterials, high-resolution imaging