Multi-User Equipment approved in grant 2017/17303-7: vitrification robot

• Grant number: 18/26396-1
• Support Opportunities: Multi-user Equipment Program
• Start date: March 01, 2019
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Chemistry of Macromolecules
• Principal Investigator: Shaker Chuck Farah
• Grantee: Shaker Chuck Farah
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 17/17303-7 - Structure and function of bacterial secretion systems, AP.TEM
• EMU web page: http://ca.iq.usp.br/novo/paginas_view.php?idPagina=51
• Type of equipment: Processos Físicos - Manipulação de amostras - Robôs; Caracterização de Materiais - Microscopia eletrônica/iônica - Criogênica
• Manufacturer: ThermoFisher Scientific
• Model: Vitrobot

Abstract

Vitrobot (Vitrification Robot) is a fully PC controlled device for vitrification (rapid cooling) of aqueous samples deposited on a cryo-EM grid. The instrument is designed to consistently produce excellent specimens for cryo-electron microscopy. The immersion, stain and vitrification process is fully automated after placing a vial in the chamber and installing the coolant container. The operating parameters are reproducible and the result is strictly PC-controlled, allowing a high performance of vitrified samples, with an easy and direct control of the vitrification process. Parameters that are under the control of the operator include temperature, humidity, number of blots and a series of time-critical settings. Once installed, this instrument will allow us to produce cryoEM samples here at the Institute of Chemistry, USP. (AU)