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Cryo-EM sample preparation
Cryo-EM sample preparation plays a critical role in achieving high-resolution structural biology results. Well-prepared samples provide a good foundation for reliable imaging and accurate downstream analysis across cryo-EM workflows.
Preparing samples for cryo-electron microscopy requires careful control of sample quality prior to vitrification on the EM grid. Depending on the workflow, many factors directly influence imaging outcomes, such as purity of protein for single particle analysis (SPA) or cell cycle stage for cryo-electron tomography (cryoET).
Sample preparation for single particle analysis
Single particle analysis (SPA) is widely used to study proteins, protein complexes, viruses, and other biomolecules at near-atomic resolution in vitreous ice.
During imaging, thousands of particles in different orientations are computationally averaged to reconstruct a high-resolution structure of the target molecule. Sample quality directly affects reconstruction accuracy and resolution.
Effective SPA sample preparation depends on optimized workflows, including appropriate reagents, grid preparation methods, and instrumentation.
Cryo-electron tomography sample preparation
Cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) enables 3D visualization of a wide range of samples including protein complexes, viruses, bacteria, cells and tissue sections in near-native conditions.
Sample preparation is a critical step in cryo-ET, as it directly impacts structural preservation and image quality. Techniques must be carefully selected to maintain sample integrity while enabling high-resolution data collection.
Microcrystal electron diffraction sample preparation
Microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) enables rapid, high-resolution structural determination of small molecules and proteins.
Atomic-level information can be obtained from nanocrystals smaller than 200 nm, even within heterogeneous samples.
Sample preparation requirements for MicroED vary depending on whether the target is a small molecule or a protein, requiring tailored approaches for each application.
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.