Resources for Getting Started in CryoEM
1. Biochemical sample preparation is one of the the most important steps for planning a successful CryoEM Single Particle Analysis (SPA) or CryoET project. You can find more information on biochemical evaluation at this link: cryoEM101.org
2. Negative stain imaging is a simple and cost effective technique to evaluate sample readiness for CryoEM SPA. Please see Chapter 1, sections 5-8, the following link for some reference: cryoem101.org/chapter-1
3. Negative stain imaging can be done at our MEMS faculty. For more information about the MEMS, please visit cryoem.hms.harvard.edu/mems-training.
4. New users who have not yet prepared or handled cryoEM grids are encouraged to watch the short vitrobot demonstration video found here: vitrobot training video
Requesting New User Onboarding/Consultation for CryoEM Training
You can request a New User Onboarding Consultation in our HMS CryoEM PPMS. Once you have logged into our HMS CryoEM PPMS, there is an option on your Home page called 'request a training' (see image below); fill out and submit the training form titled "New User Onboarding". After you submit the form, a staff member will contact you to schedule. Those with Harvard IDs will be given badge access to the Sample Prep lab. If you are unsure of how to obtain a Harvard ID, please contact your institution's administration. If you have any questions about this, please send them to email cryoEM@crystal.harvard.edu.
Requesting New User Badge Access to the Sample Prep Room (Experienced Vitrobot Users)
You can request a New User Onboarding for badge accesa directly in our HMS CryoEM PPMS. Once you have logged into PPMS, there is an option on your Home page called 'request a training' (see image below); fill out and submit the training form titled "New User Onboarding". You can note within the form that you are an experienced user and need a sign-off meeting for badge access and orientation. After you submit the form, a staff member will contact you to schedule this. After your staff sign-off, you will be given access to the vitrobot scheduling calendars in PPMS so that you may reserve your own time. Those with Harvard IDs will be given badge access to the Sample Prep lab. If you are unsure of how to obtain a Harvard ID, please contact your institution's administration. If you have any questions about this, please send them to email cryoEM@crystal.harvard.edu.
Neccessary Supplies for CryoEM Grid Freezing
It is mandatory that vitrobot users supply their own 1) sample to freeze and nneccessary buffers 2) cryo-EM grids 3) a cryo-EM grid storage boxes and 4) cryo-EM grid handling tweezers. We can supply a pair of common use Vitrobot tweezers, but we generally recommend that you also purchase your own pair of Vitrobot Tweezers your lab. When you book microscope sessions, your cryoEM grids can be stored temporarily in the facility liquid nitrogen dewar before your scheduled imaging date. The cryoEM facility does not offer long term grid storage, you will need to take any grids you wish to save back in your own liquid nitrogen storage vessel after your imaging session.
Please email cryoEM@crystal.harvard.edu to discuss necessary supplies or if you have any questions about the new user onboarding process.
