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Cryo-electron Microscopy

Cryo-electron Microscopy

Conventional electron microscopy (EM) involves dehydration, fixation, and staining of biological samples, which distorts the native state of biological molecules and results in several artifacts. Also, the high-energy electron beam damages the sample and makes it difficult to obtain high-resolution images. These issues can be addressed using cryo-EM, which uses frozen samples and gentler electron beams. The technique was developed by Jacques Dubochet, Joachim Frank, and Richard Henderson, for...

Preparation of Samples for Electron Microscopy

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To be visualized by an electron microscope, either transmission or scanning, biological samples need to be fixed (stabilized) so the electron beam does not destroy them and dried thoroughly (desiccated/dehydrated) so the vacuum does not affect them. Fixation needs to be done as quickly as possible because the sample properties will start changing as soon as it is removed from its natural environment. For example, in a tissue sample, the oxygen levels begin decreasing, causing an altered...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 19, 2026

Single Particle Cryo-Electron Microscopy: From Sample to Structure

Single Particle Cryo-Electron Microscopy: From Sample to Structure

Published on: May 29, 2021

A new method for vitrifying samples for cryoEM.

Ivan Razinkov¹, Venkat Dandey¹, Hui Wei¹

¹Simons Electron Microscopy Center, The National Resource for Automated Molecular Microscopy, New York Structural Biology Center.

Journal of Structural Biology

|June 12, 2016

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed a novel device and self-blotting grid for automated vitrified specimen preparation in cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM). This method efficiently produces thin ice films with evenly distributed single particles using minimal protein material.

Keywords:

Automation CryoTEM Nanowires Self-blotting grids

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Last Updated: Mar 19, 2026

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Published on: August 5, 2021

Area of Science:

Structural Biology
Biophysics
Materials Science

Background:

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) has seen significant automation, yet reliable vitrified specimen preparation remains a challenge.
Achieving optimal ice thickness and even particle distribution is crucial for high-resolution cryoEM structure determination.

Purpose of the Study:

To introduce a new device and self-blotting grid for automated vitrified sample preparation.
To overcome limitations in current methods regarding protein material usage and ice quality.

Main Methods:

Development of a novel device for vitrified sample preparation.
Introduction of a self-blotting grid eliminating the need for external filter paper.
Application of the method to spread protein samples into thin films.

Main Results:

Successful preparation of vitrified samples using the new device and grid.
Demonstration of thin ice films with well-defined thickness and even single-particle distribution.
Significant reduction in the amount of protein material required.

Conclusions:

The developed device and self-blotting grid offer a robust and reliable method for vitrified specimen preparation.
This approach conserves precious protein samples and improves ice quality for cryoEM.
The findings pave the way for a fully automated vitrification system.