A simple and inexpensive liquid helium cooled 'slam freezing' device

Area of Science:

• Cryo-electron microscopy sample preparation
• Biological sample vitrification

Background:

• Rapid freezing is crucial for preserving cellular ultrastructure.
• Existing methods can be expensive or complex to implement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and present a cost-effective and easily constructible device for rapid freezing of biological samples.
• To facilitate the use of freeze substitution techniques in diverse laboratory settings.

Main Methods:

• A liquid helium cooled copper block apparatus was designed.
• The device utilizes readily available components.
• A novel, simplified specimen carrying system was incorporated.

Main Results:

• The apparatus allows for rapid freezing of biological material.
• It is easily constructed using common laboratory supplies.
• The design simplifies specimen handling for freeze substitution.

Conclusions:

• This device makes rapid freezing and freeze substitution accessible at minimal cost.
• It enables a wider range of laboratories to utilize these advanced preservation techniques.
• The simplified design enhances the reliability of preparing various cell types for analysis.