Cryo-EM Sample Preparation Supplies
Cryo-EM sample preparation runs from a bare grid to a frozen sample loaded in the microscope. This page walks through each step and links the supplies we make and sell for it. Not sure what fits your microscope, plunge freezer or dewar? See the compatibility tables.
1. Preparing grids
Start with TEM grids and plasma clean (glow discharge) them so the sample spreads evenly. The plasma block holds grids in a 5x5 matrix and fits into any plasma cleaner. Fine tweezers handle the grids from here on.
2. Blotting and plunge freezing
Grids are blotted and plunged into liquid ethane to vitrify the sample. We make filter paper, hole punches, anti-contamination membranes and replacement parts for the Vitrobot and the Leica EM GP.
3. Clipping grids into AutoGrids
If your microscope uses an autoloader, each grid is clipped into an AutoGrid ring with a C-clip. A clipping station, clipping tools and a caddy that keeps tools upright in liquid nitrogen make this faster and help reduce ice contamination. AutoGrid rings and C-clips are in the clipping category.
4. Storing grids: grid boxes, pucks and dewars
Frozen grids go into grid boxes (4 grids per box), grid boxes go into pucks, and pucks go on racks in a storage dewar. Our puck and grid storage systems come with engraving, RFID hardware and free cloud-based inventory software to track every dewar, rack, puck and grid box.
5. Loading the microscope
The loading station is a leak-proof station for loading AutoGrids into a Capsule or NanoCab for the autoloader. We also repair NanoCabs, capsules and cassette grippers.
6. Liquid nitrogen handling and lab safety
Every step above uses liquid nitrogen. Small dewars hold and dispense it at the bench, the CryoNest protects the floor while dewars are filled, and cryogenic gloves, PPE and long reach forceps protect your hands.
7. Shipping and moving samples
The CX100 dry shipper and transport rack (10 pucks) ship samples at cryogenic temperature. The City Transporter moves samples short distances at temperature.
8. Drying and warming tools
Tools, pucks and dewars need to be warmed and dried between sessions so ice does not build up. We make dryers for tools, dewars and NanoCabs, and an oven that stores tools dry until you need them.
9. Repairs, service and upgrades
We repair clipping stations, dewars, Vitrobot tweezers, NanoCabs and capsules, cassette grippers and Aquilos shuttles, offer microscope service contracts, and make a long operation upgrade for cryo-FIB systems.
Planning a new lab or a purchase
Setting up a lab for the first time, or buying with grant money? These guides cover what to buy first and how quotes, purchase orders and paperwork work.
Questions? Email [email protected] or contact us.