Cryo-EM

ANRF National Facility for Cryo-EM

Sample Preparation

Vitrobot

Vitrobot Mark IV is used in cryo-electron microscopy to rapidly freeze samples in amorphous ice, preserving native structures. It enables controlled sample application, blotting, and plunge freezing for reproducible grid preparation.

Specifications

Instrument type
Semi-automated vitrification device for cryo-EM grids preparation

Temperature range
4 °C to 60 °C

Humidity control
Up to 100%, ultrasonic humidification

Blotting
Software-controlled, adjustable force, time, and position

Vitrification
Automated plunge into liquid ethane/propane

Physical
~413 mm × 260 mm × 890 mm; weight ~31 kg; power 110–230 V

Control
Touch-screen interface, Linux-based, optional foot pedal

GloQube Plus

GloQube Plus is used in TEM sample preparation to modify grid surfaces, making them hydrophilic or hydrophobic as needed. It improves sample spreading, adhesion, and orientation for proteins, nucleic acids, antibodies, and nanoparticles. The system ensures reproducible, safe, and efficient glow discharge treatment of grids.

Specifications

  • Compact glow discharge system with two independent vacuum chambers
  • Sample stage holds TEM grids, adjustable height
  • Plasma current: 1–50 mA, process time 1–900 s
  • Touch-screen interface with recipe storage
  • Safe handling of reagents with automatic vapour delivery

Quorum Q150T ES Plus:

Q150T ES Plus is used for SEM and TEM sample preparation, providing high-resolution metal sputtering (Pt, Cr, Ir) and carbon coating for TEM grids. It ensures fine, uniform coatings to improve imaging quality and protects samples for high-resolution microscopy.

Specifications

  • Combined sputter coater and carbon evaporator with turbomolecular pump
  • Vacuum: 5 × 10⁻⁵ mbar, rotary sample stage
  • Touch-screen interface with recipe storage (1000+ recipes)
  • Chamber: borosilicate glass, ~150 mm diameter

Leica DM 2700 M

Leica DM 2700 M is used for industrial inspection, materials research, and quality control. It allows detailed observation of metal surfaces, semiconductors, MEMS, and PCBs, detecting defects, scratches, and surface features with high contrast and reproducibility.

Specifications

  • Upright materials microscope with LED illumination (~4500 K)
  • Supports bright field, dark field, DIC, polarization, and fluorescence
  • Sample size up to 100 × 100 mm, thickness up to 80 mm
  • Threespeed focus drive and adjustable objective turret
  • Ergonomic design with adjustable controls and color-coded diaphragm assistant

Others

Fume hood

A fume hood is used to protect lab users from harmful chemical fumes, vapors, and dust.
It safely removes toxic gases during chemical handling, reactions, and sample preparation.
It helps maintain a safe and clean laboratory environment.

Dry Cabinet

A HINSO dry cabinet is used for safe storage of TEM grids by maintaining low humidity.
It prevents moisture absorption, oxidation, and contamination of grids.
This ensures long-term grid quality and imaging reliability.

Dry Cabinet

A HINSO dry cabinet is used for safe storage of TEM grids by maintaining low humidity.
It prevents moisture absorption, oxidation, and contamination of grids.
This ensures long-term grid quality and imaging reliability.

Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier is used to control and reduce humidity in sample preparation room.
It prevents moisture-related damage and contamination of samples and equipment.

Slide Warming Table

Slide warming table It is used to gently warm and dry samples.
In Cryo work, it is also used to warm tweezers and accessories to prevent moisture and ice formation.
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