Cryo-specimen Holder
Cryo-specimen Holder - Related Videos
10:54
Cryo-electron Microscopy Specimen Preparation By Means Of a Focused Ion Beam
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Cited by 5 •
2014
Cryo Electron Microscopes, either Scanning (SEM) or Transmission (TEM), are widely used for characterization of biological samples or other materials with a high water content1. A SEM/Focused Ion Beam (FIB) is used to identify features of interest in samples and extract a thin, electron-transparent lamella for transfer to a cryo-TEM.
09:43
Improved Protocol For Laser Microdissection Of Human Pancreatic Islets From Surgical Specimens
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Cited by 27 •
2013
Laser microdissection is a technique that allows the recovery of selected cells from minute amounts of parenchyma. Here we describe a protocol for acquiring human pancreatic islets from surgical specimens to be used for transcriptomic studies. Our protocol improves the intrinsic autofluorescence of human beta cells, thus facilitating their collection.
09:59
Preparation of Primary Neurons for Visualizing Neurites in a Frozen-hydrated State Using Cryo-Electron Tomography
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Cited by 24 •
2014
To preserve neuronal processes for ultrastructural analysis, we describe a protocol for plating of primary neurons on electron microscopy grids followed by flash freezing, yielding samples suspended in a layer of vitreous ice. These samples can be examined with a cryo-electron microscope to visualize structures at the nanometer scale.
13:52
Studying the Supramolecular Organization of Photosynthetic Membranes within Freeze-fractured Leaf Tissues by Cryo-scanning Electron Microscopy
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Cited by 19 •
2016
Here we describe a procedure for studying freeze-fractured plant tissues. High-pressure frozen leaf samples are freeze-fractured and double-layer coated, yielding well preserved frozen-hydrated samples that are imaged using the cryo-scanning electron microscope at high magnifications with minimal beam damage.
09:25
Do's and Don'ts of Cryo-electron Microscopy: A Primer on Sample Preparation and High Quality Data Collection for Macromolecular 3D Reconstruction
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Cited by 19 •
2015
This paper describes the cryo-electron microscopy methodology, which is used to obtain high quality microscopic images of macromolecules in their near-native state. The method yields images suitable for further computerized processing using the single particle approach, devised to generate the 3D reconstruction of a macromolecule.
FAQs
Thermal contact keeps the specimen connected to a cryogen or cooled stage so its frozen state is maintained during transfer and observation. This limits warming, which can promote ice formation and alter the sample. Maintaining stable cooling therefore helps preserve biological structure and supports image quality when researchers examine cells, tissues, macromolecular assemblies, or microorganisms.
The holder’s compatible grid, cartridge, or container provides a defined place for the specimen and reduces movement during handling. Secure positioning matters because physical disturbance can compromise the sample before or during imaging. Matching the holder to the specimen support therefore contributes to more reliable observation of structure and ultrastructure.
Different imaging workflows place different demands on specimen support, but the same preservation goal remains central. In cryo-electron microscopy, cryo-light microscopy, and related approaches, the holder helps maintain samples close to their native condition while they are observed. This makes it useful across biological scales, from cells and tissues to macromolecular assemblies and microorganisms.
After biological preparation, the specimen is secured in a compatible grid, cartridge, or container. The loaded support is kept in thermal contact with a cryogen or cooled stage during transfer and observation. Attention to these stages limits warming, ice formation, and disturbance, preserving the sample for imaging and subsequent structural analysis.
By stabilizing samples for observation, a cryo-specimen holder supports imaging-based evaluation of biological structure and ultrastructure. The resulting observations can be used to examine cells, tissues, macromolecular assemblies, or microorganisms while they remain close to their native condition. Its value lies in linking careful cryogenic handling with interpretable biological images.
The device supports workflows involving several biological specimen types, including cells, tissues, macromolecular assemblies, and microorganisms. Its relevance extends across cryo-electron microscopy, cryo-light microscopy, and related imaging approaches. In these settings, dependable positioning and cooling help researchers inspect biological organization while limiting changes caused by warming or physical handling.