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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
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Routine Collection of High-Resolution cryo-EM Datasets Using 200 KV Transmission Electron Microscope
Published on: March 16, 2022
Practical performance evaluation of a 10k × 10k CCD for electron cryo-microscopy
Benjamin E Bammes1, Ryan H Rochat, Joanita Jakana
1Graduate Program in Structural and Computational Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Journal of Structural Biology
|May 31, 2011
Summary
Large format digital cameras are poised to replace photographic film in electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM). A new 111-megapixel CCD camera offers double the imaging area, enabling high-resolution structural determination.
Area of Science:
- Structural Biology
- Microscopy Technology
Background:
- Electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM) commonly uses charge-coupled devices (CCDs) or photographic film.
- Despite CCD advantages, film remains prevalent for high-resolution cryo-EM structures due to sampling and imaging area.
- Large format digital cameras aim to surpass film's capabilities in cryo-EM detection.
Purpose of the Study:
- Evaluate a 111-megapixel CCD camera for cryo-EM applications.
- Compare its performance against existing CCD technology and film.
- Assess its potential to advance high-resolution cryo-EM structural determination.
Main Methods:
- Assessed spectral signal-to-noise ratios of low-dose images on carbon film.
- Utilized a 111-megapixel (10k x 10k) CCD with 9 micrometer pixel size.
- Performed single particle reconstruction using frozen-hydrated ε15 bacteriophage.
Main Results:
- The 111-megapixel CCD camera provides signal up to 2/5 Nyquist frequency.
- Achieved more than double the effective specimen imaging area compared to 4k x 4k CCDs.
- Obtained a ~7 Å resolution reconstruction from only 80 frames of ε15 bacteriophage.
Conclusions:
- Large format CCD cameras offer significant advantages over film for cryo-EM.
- This 111-megapixel detector demonstrates potential for high-resolution cryo-EM structural studies.
- Advanced digital detectors can overcome limitations of current cryo-EM imaging technology.
