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Quantifoil and the revolution of cryo-electron microscopy: a precision support for structural research




In the field of structural biology and nanoscience, cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) has revolutionised the analysis of macromolecular structures. One of the key elements in this cutting-edge technique is the support used to immobilise the samples: the microscopy grid. Among all the options available on the market, Quantifoil® grids have established themselves as the global standard. 


What is a Quantifoil grid?


 

                      Why are Quantifoil grids so important?

  Compatibility with the latest generation of microscopes

The Quantifoil grids are designed to be perfectly compatible with the most advanced electron microscopes.

 Background noise reduction

The ultrathin amorphous carbon film used in Quantifoil grids reduces background noise and interference, which improves the signal-to-noise ratio, a crucial element for achieving atomic resolution.

 Uniform vitrification

Thanks to the well-calibrated holes, the ice layer containing the sample is vitrified uniformly, without crystallisation, a crucial criterion for successful cryo-EM..


 

Applications of Quantifoil grids

The Quantifoil grids are used in many disciplines:

  • Study of membrane proteins, ribosomal complexes or viruses
  • Analysis of nanoparticles, polymers or exosomes
  • Electron tomography and 3D reconstructions of biological complexes
  • Correlative microscopy (CLEM) combining fluorescence and EM

The scientific contribution of cryo-EM​

A recent publication published in Medicine/Sciences (avril 2021) available as a PDF here  .



Typical Cryo-EM Workflow

  1. Purified protein shipped to the Cryo-Electron Microscopy Center (CEMC)
  2. Plunge freezing of the protein sample on a TEM grid
  3. Cryo grid screening and validation
  4. Data collection
  5. Remote data delivery
  6. Data analysis and 3D structure determination


Cryo-EM Methodology: Current Aspects and Future Directions

📚 By Radostin Danev, Haruaki Yanagisawa & Masahide Kikkawa – University of Tokyo

Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) continues to revolutionize structural biology. In a recent landmark article, researchers from the University of Tokyo explore the current methodologies and future directions of cryo-EM — a technology that’s reshaping how we understand biomolecular structures.

👉 Download the full article in PDF here:​

Cryo-EM Methodology – Danev et al. (2021)