Sample Preparation

Pelco EasiGlow Glow Discharge Unit

Since the support films on TEM grids are naturally hydrophobic, the glow discharge system is used to deposit a charge onto TEM grids.  The charge renders the grids hydrophilic and allowing an aqueous solution of particles to spread uniformly and adhere to the grid surface. The unit greatly facilitates projects requiring negative staining or cryo-TEM.

Location: APB141A

Leica EM ACE 600

The Leica EM Ace 600 is a high vacuum film deposition system for coating samples for scanning electron microscopy.  The system is configured for carbon coating via carbon thread and sputtering with a platinum target.

Location: APB141A

Leica EM ICE High Pressure Freezer

The Leica EM ICE rapidly cryo-immobilizes a specimen under high pressure. Under these conditions the freezing point of water is depressed, and the rate of ice crystal growth is decreased, allowing up to 600 microns of the specimen to become vitrified. High pressure freezing followed by freeze substitution overcomes many of the disadvantages of conventional chemical fixation and leads to better structural preservation. This technique is well suited for difficult-to-preserve specimens such as yeast, plant tissues, C elegans, and other organisms with a cell wall, cuticle, or other barrier that impedes the diffusion of chemical fixatives.

Location: APB141A

Leica AFS2

The Leica EM AFS2 performs automated freeze substitution and progressive lowering of temperature (PLT) techniques and allows low temperature embedding and polymerization of resins.

Location: APB141A

Thermo Scientific Vitrobot

The Vitrobot is a piece of equipment used for cryo-sample preparation.  The system allows for automated blotting and plunge freezing of aqueous suspensions for the reproducible and reliable preparation of high-quality vitrified samples for cryo-TEM. The virobot has an enclosed environmental chamber for control over ambient temperature and humidity and allows users to regulate blot time, blot pressure, and other parameters to optimize preparation of a variety of aqueous suspensions. The system is equipped with high purity, research grade ethane to be used as a cryogen.

  • Working Temperature: 4-60 degrees C
  • Maintains relative humidity at 100%

Location: APB141A

Leica EM KMR2 Knife Maker

The Leica EM KMR2 allows users to make glass knives for ultramicrotomy.

Location: APB141H

Pelco Biowave Microwave Tissue Processor

The Pelco Biowave allows rapid sample processing through the use of microwaves.  The system can be configured for tissue processing, immunolabeling, and decalcification.

Location: APB141A

 Autosamdri-815 B Critical Point Dryer

The Tousimis Autosamdri-815B is a fully automated, large format critical point dryer with a 4.5 inch inner diameter and 1.25 inch chamber depth, which allows for processing large batches of samples for scanning electron microscopy.

Location: APB141A