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Sample preparation


In addition to the state of the art electron microscopes, the NYSBC is fully equipped to meet the sample preparation needs of the structural biology community. For protein solutions we have a fully equipped wet laboratory, where we keep stocks of heavy metal salts that can be used as negative stains. In addition, we have an evaporator to prepare carbon support films on mica sheets, or to evaporate carbon on a plastic substrate. Frozen hydrated samples are easily prepared using either a manual, home-made device, or a new Gatan CP3 plunger, which is easy to use by newcomers.

Tissue samples can be prepared for structural studies using high pressure freezing and freeze substitution, followed by resin embedding and sectioning on a Leica ultramicrotome. High pressure frozen samples can also be sectioned directly on the ultramicrotome with the cryogenic attachment.

Of course, ultracentrifugation and some (limited) protein purification capabilities are also available.

Click on the picture of each instrument to see a description.

Plasma cleaner Plunge Freezer
High Pressure Freezer Evaporator
Ultramicrotome Ultracentrifuge