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An Open-Source Storage Solution for Cryo-Electron Microscopy Samples

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  18 January 2018

Eveline Ultee
Affiliation:
Institute of Biology, Leiden University of Leiden, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
Fred Schenkel
Affiliation:
Fine Mechanical Department, University of Leiden, 2333 CA Leiden, The Netherlands
Wen Yang
Affiliation:
Institute of Biology, Leiden University of Leiden, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
Susanne Brenzinger
Affiliation:
Institute of Biology, Leiden University of Leiden, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
Jamie S. Depelteau
Affiliation:
Institute of Biology, Leiden University of Leiden, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
Ariane Briegel*
Affiliation:
Institute of Biology, Leiden University of Leiden, 2333 BE Leiden, The Netherlands
*
Author for correspondence: Ariane Briegel, E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) enables the study of biological structures in situ in great detail and to solve protein structures at Ångstrom level resolution. Due to recent advances in instrumentation and data processing, the field of cryo-EM is a rapidly growing. Access to facilities and national centers that house the state-of-the-art microscopes is limited due to the ever-rising demand, resulting in long wait times between sample preparation and data acquisition. To improve sample storage, we have developed a cryo-storage system with an efficient, high storage capacity that enables sample storage in a highly organized manner. This system is simple to use, cost-effective and easily adaptable for any type of grid storage box and dewar and any size cryo-EM laboratory.

Type
Micrographia
Copyright
© Microscopy Society of America 2018 

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