CryoEM Core

Location of the CryoEM Core

Mission Statement

Provide assistance in all aspects of high-resolution cryo-electron microscope.  To include specimen preparation, data collection, and image processing.  We provide training, technical advice, and consultations for users interested in learning cryoEM.

Overview of Services

Project planning and consultation for CryoEM

Training in all aspects of cryoEM

• Theory and principles of cryoEM
• Specimen preparation using Vitrobot Mark IV cryo-plunger
• Operation of the Talos Arctica cryoTEM
• Assistance in image analysis

CryoEM specimen preparation 

• Preparation of cryo-grids using a FEI Vitrobot Mark IV+
• Clipping of cryo-grids
• Longterm storage of cryo-grids

CryoTEM

• CryoTEM of nanoparticles
• Single-particle cryoEM 
• Cryo-electron tomography 

Core Rates

Vitrobot

• Internal $90 per hour

• External $182 per hour

• Industry $200 per hour

Talos Arctica

• Internal $1,500 per day

• External $2,490 per day

• Industry $3,000 per hour

Sputter Coater

• Interal $99

• External $181

• Industry $200

Labor

• Internal $99 per hour

• External $154 per hour

• Industry $160 per hour

Consultation

• Internal $190

• External $427

• Industry $430

Cryo Specimen Storage

• Internal $445

• External $693

• Industry $800

Clipping Station

• Internal $36

• External $67

• Industry $67

Grid Fabrication

• Internal $710

• External $1,105

• Industry $1,200

Dry Shipper

• Internal $168

• External $262

• Industry $350 

CryoTEM Grid Boxes

The cryoEM core will provide customers with cryo-grids boxes if they are storing their samples at the core and have paid the annual cryo specimen storage fee.  Customers with their own set of pucks/racks are expected to purchase their own grid boxes.  Customers are expected to use their own grid boxes if they are storing there grids off-site.

Autoloader C-clips and C-rings

We charge per c-clip and c-ring.  The cost will vary depending on the source and market prices at the time.  Typically, we will use either Nanosoft (purchased from Tedpella) c-clips/rings that cost $10 each.

Clipping Fee.  Core Staff will clip grids for customers if requested.  Up to 12 grids can be clipped in one hour.  The customer will be billed as a Labor rate and for the cost of each c-clip/c-ring used.  Customers can clip their own grids, or request training. Customers that clip their own grids will be billed based on the number of c-clips and c-rings they used. 

Training.  Customers that would like to learn how to operate equipment can request one-on one training from a core staff and will be billed hourly rate for the equipment and labor.

 Leadership

Joshua Strauss, PhD | Associate Research Professor | Joshua_Strauss@med.unc.edu

Location and Hours of Operation

UNC CryoEM Core Website

Contacts

Map