The VitroJetTM is designed to take the frustration and waste out of Cryo-EM sample preparation by allowing researchers to optimize the settings of ice quality, ice thickness and sample deposition before placement in the microscope. Providing a more efficient way for optimizing sample conditions for a higher return from data collection, and allowing researchers to focus on the true research.
Features at a Glance
The VitroJetTM allows users to confidently prepare their grids for analysis without having to worry about inconsistent blotting conditions, accounting for humidity changes, damaging grids, and struggling to overcome unexplained consistencies in sample quality.
- Compatible with all types of TEM grids including:
- Quantifoil
- C-Flat grids
- Customized grids with functionalized surfaces (e.g. continuous graphene or carbon layers)
- Up to 12 Autogrids per session
- Integrated plasma treatment with different gas compatibility
- Automated sample preparation with user customizable settings
- Minimal consumables with reusable printing pins and standard Gilson CP10 pipette tips
- Nanoliter level dispersion per grid and minimal sample requirement
- Dewpoint control to +/- .05 K
- Standard 110V connection with no special facility requirements
Cryo-EM Sample Preparation System: Fully Automated and Reproducible
The VitroJetTM is a revolutionary new sample preparation solution for single particle Cryo-EM research. It brings control and automation into grid preparation. This approach leads to more control and reproducible method for preparing samples, maximizing throughput, and eliminating the waste of valuable high-grade protein. The VitroJetTM integrates all the following features into a compact solution that’s designed for every Cryo-EM lab.
Revolutionizing Cryo-EM Sample Prep. Moving beyond plunge freezing.
Pre-Clipped Autogrids
The VitroJetTM freezes grids much faster than conventional plunge freezing techniques.
- Faster and Targeted Sample Freezing: Vitreous ice is produced even when grids are pre-clipped into autogrid assemblies
- Reliable pre-clipping assembly: Users can pre-clip assemblies at room temperature before sample deposition and cryogenic freezing
- Eliminate post-clipping damage & contamination: Grid doesn’t need further manipulation following its preparation
Ethane Jetting Technology
Ensures vitrification of pre-clipped autogrids.
- Faster than standard plunging techniques: Jets grids with a cold stream of liquid ethane for faster cooling rates
- Instantaneously vitrify samples: Vitrify from the center of the grid outwards rather than cooling down through the copper grid bars
Automation
Avoids grid damage. All the vital steps for preparation are done automatically without user intervention.
- Grid handling
- Plasma treatment
- Sample deposition
- Freezing
- Placement into grid box
Pin Printing
The system uses less overall sample for deposition by depositing the sample onto the grid with a pin and eliminates blotting; a method known for producing inconsistent ice quality.
- Eliminate blotting: Apply only the amount of sample you want
- Customize ice thickness: Adjust parameters of sample size and vitrification based on user programmable specifications
- Reproducible: Consistent ice thickness, vitreous status, and overall quality
Plasma Treatment
The integrated plasma treatment provides a tunable and consistent method for enhancing the wettability of the grid. Surface energy is controllable, reproducible, and designed for flexibility; so users can incorporate different gases to achieve results in wettability.
Visual Feedback
Visualize the entire sample deposition process with a camera to monitor the success of deposition.
- Assess deposition quality prior to microscope screening
- Log videos, images, and settings for future export for lab journals
Autofill of Nitrogen and Ethane
Automatically maintain the level of liquid ethane and liquid nitrogen for 1.5 – 2 hours of use, giving users ample time to prepare a number of vitrified grids for the microscope.
Logging and Documentation
Protocols for specific samples, including parameters used in plasma treatment and deposition can be saved as a recipe. This can be loaded in a future session in order to maintain consistent results for a specific sample of interest.