Thermo Scientific Aquilos 2 Cryo-FIB DualBeam system

The Thermo Scientific Aquilos 2 Cryo-FIB DualBeam system is dedicated to the preparation of thin, electron-transparent samples from biological specimens. It is designed to simplify the cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) workflow by reducing sample preparation time, minimising the risk of contamination and providing a precise and detailed view of specific points of interest compared to earlier models. When used as part of the cryo-ET workflow, it is said to allow researchers to prepare more and thinner samples for a clearer view of the inside of cells.

The Aquilos 2 delivers optimal sample preparation and includes an integrated workflow with dedicated hardware and software that improves productivity and throughput compared to the earlier model. The Thermo Scientific Auto Slice and View software, integrated into the device, allows scientists to acquire 3D images in cryogenic conditions by sequential slicing and then capturing multiple images of the interior of a vitrified cell. The software allows researchers to remove parts of the cell, capture the 3D data from that cell part and stop capturing data at exactly the right point before moving it to a higher resolution cryo-transmission electron microscope (cryo-TEM).

Researchers can further increase productivity by using the Thermo Scientific Cryo AutoTEM software, a guided solution that allows them to mark several points of interest and automatically prepare multiple samples in unattended, even overnight, runs. Dedicated hardware keeps vitrified samples frozen at all times and protected from contamination.

The product also includes the Thermo Scientific EasyLift NanoManipulator, which allows researchers to prepare samples from targeted regions of a cell. Site-specific regions, such as labelled proteins, can be extracted and placed in the inside autogrids for tomogram acquisition in a cryo-TEM.