Facility Details

The integrated BioCryo Facility provides a comprehensive source for characterization of biological, soft matter, and hybrid samples with TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), and STEM (Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy) at cryogenic or at ambient temperature. We provide expertise and access to equipment for cryofixation and processing of frozen hydrated samples by high-pressure freezing and freeze substitution, plunge freezing, freeze fracturing/etching/coating, and cryo/ultramicrotomy. Conventional samples can be processed at ambient temperature with chemical fixation, dehydration, and resin embedment, or critical point drying. We also offer EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy) for elemental analysis.

In addition to offering training on instruments and sample preparation techniques, BioCryo staff mentors new users, advises on experimental design, and collaborates with researchers in experiments with challenging and unconventional samples. The BioCryo Facility participates in educational and outreach events, e.g. workshops, seminars, demos, and facility tours.