Service / Technology Instance

About Electron Microscopy and Cryo-CLEM, Heidelberg, EMBL

The Imaging Centre at EMBL Heidelberg gives access to state-of-the-art cryo-EM equipment for structure determination projects using the latest technology and methods in single-particle analysis, cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) and Cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy (Cryo-CLEM). 

Service Availability:

Remote

Physical

Instruments Available:

After cryofixation by plunge or high pressure freezing, samples can be imaged in a cryo-confocal microscope (Zeiss LSM 900 Airyscan2) and subsequently processed further in a cryo-FIB-SEM (Zeiss Crossbeam 550) using a common sample mount and cryo-transfer system (Quorum) that maintains sample orientation between the LM and EM systems so that coordinates of target structures are efficiently transferred. FIB-milling of target areas allows the creation of lamellae that can be subsequently imaged by tomography in a 300 kV Titan Krios G4 TEM.

High-end data collection for cryo-EM single particle analysis projects

Cryo-grids will be screened with a Thermo Fisher Scientific Glacios equipped with a Falcon 4 electron counting direct electron detector. High-end data acquisition will be performed with a Thermo Fisher Scientific Titan Krios with a three-condenser lens system. It features the latest technology for high-end single-particle acquisition including a cold field emission gun (C-FEG), SelectrisX energy filter, Falcon 4 electron counting camera and volta phase plate. Both microscopes are equipped with an automatic sample loading system and configured for high-throughput automatic data acquisition.

High-end data collection for cryo-EM tomography projects

Cryo-grids will be screened with a Thermo Fisher Scientific Glacios equipped with a Falcon 4 electron counting direct electron detector. High-end data acquisition will be performed with a Thermo Fisher Scientific Titan Krios with a three-condenser lens system. It features the latest technology for tomography data acquisition including a cold field emission gun (C-FEG), SelectrisX energy filter, Falcon 4 electron counting camera and volta phase plate. Both microscopes are equipped with an automatic sample loading system and configured for high-throughput automatic data acquisition.

User Guide

The EMBL Heidelberg operates the Imaging Centre, a user facility providing cryo-EM services. EM engineers and application specialists will help and support any scientist with cryo-EM data collection to tackle a broad range of biological questions and projects based on single-particle analysis and cryo-electron tomography for high-resolution structural determination of macromolecular complexes. We also provide support on direct correlation between confocal fluorescence imaging and cellular tomography under cryo conditions (cryo-CLEM). The centre is also offering remote service to all interested users.

Currently we offer access to the following services:

1. High-end data collection for cryo-EM single-particle analysis

2. High-end data collection for cryo-electron tomography

3. Cryo-confocal imaging and cellular tomography under cryo conditions

Specific equipment:

Thermo Fisher Scientific Glacios equipped with a Falcon 4 electron counting direct electron detector;
Thermo Fisher Scientific Titan Krios with a Falcon 4 electron counting camera and volta phase plate;
LSM900 Airyscan2 equipped with an Linkam cryo stage and configured for high-resolution confocal imaging of fluorescent sample;
ZEISS Crossbeam 550 equipped to generate cryo-lamellae; 

The centre and its instruments are available for the entire scientific Instruct-ERIC community.

For more details on instruments, methods, experts, how to apply, please visit our website.

Instruct Centre

EMBL Heidelberg

Meyerhofstraße 1

69117, Heidelberg

EMBL

www.embl.org/about/info/imaging-centre/

Electron Microscopy and Cryo-CLEM, Heidelberg, EMBL

Contacts:

Simone Mattei
Simone Mattei
European Molecular Biology Laboratory
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Edward Avenell
Edward Avenell
European Molecular Biology Laboratory
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Virginia Pierini
Virginia Pierini
European Molecular Biology Laboratory
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Nazli Celik
Nazli Celik

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