Resources
The DCI offers fee-based cryo-electron microscopy and cryo-electron tomography services.
This includes among others the following:
- Consulting in structural analysis possibilities to answer a research question
- Sample preparation and optimization for cryo-EM investigations
- Data collection by SPA or cryo-ET methods
- Image processing and 3D structure reconstruction
- Building of atomic models
- Assistance in the interpretation of the results
Microscopes
DCI is equipped with state-of-the-art microscopes:
The DCI features state-of-the-art cryo-EM microscopes, including three fringe-free Titan Krios G4 systems equipped with Falcon 4i detectors. Two of these instruments (Krios 1 and Krios 3) are fitted with Selectris X energy filters, enabling high-end cryo-electron tomography (Cryo-ET) applications and single-particle analysis (SPA) of small proteins.
The facility also includes a fringe-free Glacios 200 kV screening microscope equipped with a Falcon 4i detector. This microscope is primarily used for cryo-EM sample optimization and workflow optimization for single-particle analysis prior to high-resolution data collection. It also provides excellent contrast for small proteins and is therefore the microscope of choice for small complexes (eg. below 60 kDa).
The facility also includes a fringe-free Glacios 200 kV screening microscope equipped with a Falcon 4i detector. This microscope is primarily used for cryo-EM sample optimization and workflow optimization for single-particle analysis prior to high-resolution data collection. It also provides excellent contrast for small proteins and is therefore the microscope of choice for small complexes (eg. below 60 kDa).
Software
Image Processing Computer Software employed by the DCI
The DCI uses several workstations to process data on the fly during data collection. This will utilize the FOCUS software package, as well as several other software packages.
In addition, the DCI is equipped and has the expertise to provide the entire pipeline of data processing, from motion correction, CTF correction, single particle cryo-EM processing to 3D visualization and atomic model building.
In addition, the DCI is equipped and has the expertise to provide the entire pipeline of data processing, from motion correction, CTF correction, single particle cryo-EM processing to 3D visualization and atomic model building.