TTP Labtech chameleon automated system for cryo-EM sample prep

TTP Labtech has announced the chameleon sample preparation system for cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). The system has been designed to enable consistent application of samples to high-quality foil grids for cryo-EM analysis, automating the current standard approach — which is a technically demanding, largely manual process. This should allow cryo-EM researchers to more easily determine the structure of biomolecules, to support protein research and drug discovery.

Advances in resolution have meant that cryo-EM is able to effectively solve protein structures that were not previously possible using traditional methods like NMR and X-ray crystallography. However, the challenging process of obtaining vitrified samples of suitable thickness on foil grids presents a bottleneck. The chameleon instrument allows researchers to automate this process in a consistent manner, enabling scientists to overcome some of the key limitations that have held back cryo-EM from reaching its full potential.

The product’s automation will bring improvements to current sample prep workflows, according to the company, including high-speed, blot-free plunging; automated grid handling; and grid screening based on ice thickness. Integral to the device is an algorithm that calculates the optimal plunge time for freezing, in order to protect and conserve samples for improved 3D imaging.

The system thus enables high-quality, repeatable preparation of samples for cryo-EM. It is designed to help scientists improve data quality and reduce the time required to prepare protein samples for imaging.