A more efficient pathway to quality frozen grids for cryo-EM

Cryo-EM has developed into a powerful tool for studying the fine detail of biological structure required in areas such as drug disco

very. Despite this, producing quality frozen grids with vitreous ice of an appropriate thickness and evenly distributed particles remains a key bottleneck in the structure determination workflow. We drew on decades of experience in structural biology process automation to create chameleon and provide optimizable vitrification for each unique sample behavior, reducing the time and costs associated with traditional trial-and-error methods.

chameleon streamlines cryo-EM sample preparation workflows with high speed blot-free vitrification, automated grid handling, and the ability to screen grids based on likely ice thickness. Guided workflows simplify set up, use, and cleaning of the instrument while the minimization of manual handling eliminates sample loss and damage.

The powerful combination of robotics, automation, and intelligent software allows experts and novice users alike quicker access to consistent results. Users can confidently work with the instrument using guided software protocols intended to handle the experimental framework and limit manual intervention.

chameleon self-wicking grids eliminate the need for a highly variable physical blotting step through the application of nanowires grown on the surface of the copper grid bars. These nanowires rapidly draw the liquid into the bars resulting in a thin film of sample spread over the surface of the holey carbon film.