Cryomicroscopy and Electron Diffraction Core Facility
Cryomicroscopy and Electron Diffraction Core Facility |
Profile
Cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has revolutionised structural studies in the biological and chemical sciences in recent years. This method uses samples prepared by vitrification, i.e. rapid immersion in a solution of liquefied cryogen (ethane or propane) at a temperature below -140°C. Such a process prevents the formation of crystalline ice and is currently the best possible way to preserve the native structure of the sample under study, which is compatible with high-resolution electron-beam imaging, unlike the heavy metal staining and resin embedding methods used in the past. The creators of the cryo-EM technique were honored with the 2017 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and since then, the popularity of the method has grown exponentially and many research centers around the world are investing in cryo-EM-related specialist laboratories (core facilities). The 200kV Glacios microscope operates at CeNT as part of the Cryomicroscopy and Electron Diffraction Core Facility, which, in addition to the microscope itself, is fully equipped for sample preparation and vitrification and with a comprehensive IT infrastructure dedicated to the storage and processing of large amounts of data. There are currently 2 centers in Poland carrying out cryo-EM research (CeNT UW and Solaris UJ in Krakow), but only on the microscope at CeNT is research being carried out covering all three application streams of the technology:
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