LabAdviser/314/Preparation 314-307/Soft-matter

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Plunge Freezer

Leica EM GP2

The plunge freezing is a cryo-fixation method used to preserve samples in their most native state prior to cryo-electron microscopy.

The main steps of this technique proceed as follows:
1. The sample is spread into a thin film across an EM grid
2. The liquid droplet is then blotted with filter paper until only a very thin film of fluid remains
3. The grid is then rapidly plunged into a cryogen (usually liquid ethane)
4. The grid is afterwards stored in liquid nitrogen in grid box until finally loaded into the cryo-electron microscope for imaging

Operating manual:File:Leica EM GP2 Operating manual.pdf

For further information on the machine usage or training contact mktracy@dtu.dk [1].

Leica EM GP2 Location at DTU Nanolab Building 314, Room 014 (Tecnai T20)

Microtomes

RMC MT-7 Microtome

Our RMC MT-7 Microtome is a vintage piece of equipment and can be used for planning specimens for SEM/EDX and/or for cutting relative thin slices (approx. 200nm thick) for TEM. First, the specimen needs to be embedded into a resin or an epoxy, and then can be sliced with a glass or diamond knife. At DTU Nanolab Cen we can offer only glass knifes. We also offer the possibility to make glass knives using the LKB Knifemaker 7801A.

Risk Assessment of RMC MT-7 Microtome: File:APV RMC Microtome.pdf

Manual of LKB Knifemaker 7801A: File:LKB Knifemaker 7800B Manual.pdf

For further information about the machine usage contact afull@dtu.dk [2].

LKB Knifemaker and RMC MT-7 Microtome Location at DTU Nanolab Building 314

Leica EM UC7

The Leica ultramicrotome is used for ultra thin sectioning of sample embedded in resin block with a feed range of 1 nm up to 15 µm. Glass or diamond knife is used for the ultra sectioning of the samples.

Operating manual: File:EM UC7 Operating manual.pdf

Risk Assessment: File:Risk assessment-Ultramicrotome EM UC7.docx

For further information about the machine usage or training contact mktracy@dtu.dk [3].

Leica EM UC7 Location at DTU Nanolab Building 307, Room 906

Procedure of ultra-sectionning in images:

1. Trimming resin block using Trim diamond knife

2. Ultra-sectionning of sample using diamond knife with water boat

3. Collecting sections using a Perfect loop

4. Transfering sections on a grid

Cryo-Ultramicrotome Leica EM FC7

Operating manual: File:EM FC7 Operating manual.pdf

Risk Assessment: File:Risk assessment-Cryo-Ultramicrotome EM FC7.docx

For further information about the machine usage or training contact mktracy@dtu.dk [4].

Leica EM FC7 Location at DTU Nanolab Building 307, Room 906

Critical point dryer

Leica EM CPD300

The Critical Point Drier (CPD) is used for drying samples for the SEM. The machine uses the fact that at the critical point the solvent can be converted from liquid to gas without crossing the interfaces between liquid and gas (no surface tension) and hence no sample drying artefacts. CO2 is the solvent of choice as its triple point is suitable for biological samples (31°C and 74 bars). The CO2 is not miscible with water; therefore the sample should be dissolved in acetone or ethanol.

Operating manual: File:EM CPD300 Operating manual.pdf

Risk Assessment: File:Risk assessment- Leica EM CPD300.pdf.

For further information on the machine usage contact mktracy@dtu.dk [5].

Leica EM CPD300 Location at DTU Nanolab Building 314

Centrifuge

The Mini Spinner Eppendorf is a desktop centrifuge with supplied rotor with maximum speed/force 13,400rpm/12,100xG. It has a 30-minute timer, which is settable in 15-sec increments. It has a short-spin mode fixed at maximum speed. The Mini Spinner Eppendorf is located in building 314, in the Soft Mater (toxic) Lab.

For further information on the machine usage contact mktracy@dtu.dk [6].

Location at DTU Nanolab Building 314

pH meter

If you are planning on doing chemical fixation on biological samples you will probably need to make buffers and use a pH-meter. The pH-meter (model pH 1000L) is located in building 314, in the Soft Mater (toxic) Lab and it is dedicated to “Soft Matter” related work.

For further information on the machine usage contact mktracy@dtu.dk [7].

Location at DTU Nanolab Building 314

Sample preparation

For further information about procedure for sample preparation for TEM or SEM contact mktracy@dtu.dk [8].

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