The University Research Facility in Life Sciences (ULS) is pleased to announce that the ThermoFisher Aquilos 2 Cryo-Focused Ion Beam (FIB) System at our Cryo-EM Centre is now open to users.
The Aquilos 2 is a dual-beam system dedicated to the preparation of thin and electron-transparent lamellae for high-resolution cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) or microcrystal electron diffraction (MicroED) analysis of small molecules and proteins. Key features include:
- Highly automated workflow: allows researchers to produce multiple lamellae from user-defined locations (Fig. 1)
- Improved cryo-hardware: enables longer run times (i.e., up to 8 hours) with ultra-low ice contamination
- EasyLift nano manipulator cryo-lift-out system: facilitates the preparation of lamellae from target regions within bulk-frozen specimens
- Site-specific extraction: capable of extracting regions (Fig. 2), including those from high-pressure frozen (HPF) samples, and loading them onto AutoGrids for further imaging with other cryo-TEM systems at our Cryo-EM Centre
This advanced system enhances our capability to perform high-resolution cryo-ET analysis, providing researchers with the tools needed for cutting-edge molecular and protein studies. As a novel technology that connects cell biology and structural biology, cryo-ET can help researchers visualise the macromolecular structure and inner architecture within cells in situ.
The ULS cordially invites research groups engaged in bacteria or cell biology research to discuss with us the possibility of arranging pilot test sessions with their samples. The ideal sample shall be smaller than 5 µm. Interested parties shall direct their enquiries on test sessions or the equipment to Sirui Li or Michael Yuen of the ULS.
Thank you for your attention.
