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SPP-ARC is proud to announce the launch of the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ Cryo-EM Facility. This state-of-the-art resource provides researchers with access to advanced cryo-electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) tools and expert training. This facility has 3 major components that support the operations and training in cryo-EM:

1. High-Resolution Cryo-EM Facility
2. Screening Facility
3. CERC Laboratory

High-Resolution Cryo-EM Core is a cutting-edge facility designed to support transformative structural biology research and aligns with SPP-ARC’s vision of pandemic preparedness and therapeutic/drug development. At the core of the facility is the ThermoFisher Scientific Titan Krios G4, a 300kV X-FEG transmission electron microscope equipped with a:

• Selectris-X Energy Filter
• Falcon 4i direct electron detector
• retractable Phase Plate

The system is integrated with Smart EPU, including the EPU-Quality Monitor (EPU- Q), incorporating advanced AI/ML algorithms to assess sample quality and optimize data collection for SPA workflows and cryo-ET data acquisition.

Complementing this is a real-time CryoSPARC Live system (Chrysalis) for on-the-fly data processing, supported by two high-performance quad-GPU servers with full image processing and modelling software suites.

For crystallography and microED applications, the Titan Krios G4 includes a Ceta-D detector and a microcrystal electron diffraction (microED) package, expanding structural capabilities to nanoscale crystals and small-molecule drugs.

Whatever your target sample, be it membrane proteins, macromolecular complexes, viral particles, or small molecule structures, the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥’s Cryo-EM Core provides the infrastructure and scientific expertise to accelerate discovery at atomic resolution.

Led by Dr. Howard Young, this dedicated wet laboratory facility is outfitted with essential tools for sample preparation and grid handling, including:

• Thermo Fisher Talos L120C microscope for negative-stain and Cryo-EM screening
• TwoMP mass photometer for rapid assessment of sample quality
• Carbon and gold-coated grids using the Leica ACE 600 and Pelco easiGlow systems for grid preparation.
• Vitrobot and Leica EM GP2 systems with plunge freezing capabilities
• Autogrid Clipping Station for Titan Krios-compatible workflows.

Our expert staff will offer tailored consultations, hands-on training, and guided facility tours. Contact us at cryoem@ualberta.ca to learn how cryo-EM can support your research goals.

Led by Dr. Kalyan Das, the CERC Lab on Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) and Drug Design is equipped with the following key equipment for sample preparation, purification and characterization, and cryo-EM grid optimization. Key equipment includes:

1. Akta pure FPLC in-line with Wyatt Multi-Angle Light Scattering (MALS) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) instruments for measuring molecular mass and hydrodynamic radius of macromolecules.
2. Pelco easiGlow for glow discharging cryo-EM grids
3. Thermo Fisher Scientific Vitrobot Mark IV system
4. Leica EM GP2 Automatic Plunge Freezer
5. Grid handling and clipping tools