Abstract: Presented are systems, methods, and devices for provisioning controlled sample support, precision sample immersion, and/or post-cooling sample storage of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) samples and grids. A puck is presented for manual or automated storage of cryo-EM sample grids after the grids and samples have been cryocooled. The puck carries one or more cryo-EM sample grids and includes a puck top portion and a puck bottom portion, each formed with a cryogenic-temperature compatible material. The bottom portion includes multiple receptacles that each accepts and holds a sample grid. The top portion includes an array of funnels. The puck top and bottom portions are assembled together by inserting the top portion into the bottom portion. When the puck may be immersed in a liquid cryogen, each funnel guides a sample grid released into an upper portion of the funnel downward and into a grid receptacle within a bottom portion of the funnel.

Abstract: Humidified sample preparation station for serial crystallography according to one embodiment is a humidified enclosure that delivers relative humidities above 95% and preferably above 97% in standard operation, and that can allow microscope observation of samples within. Humidified sample preparation station for serial crystallography can be used for preparation of protein crystal samples for examination using X-rays and for protein structure determination by X-ray crystallography, involving addition of liquid to the sample and removal of liquid from the sample using vacuum or suction.

Abstract: Presented are systems, methods, and devices for provisioning controlled sample support, precision sample immersion, and/or post-cooling sample storage of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) samples and grids. A puck is presented for manual or automated storage of cryo-EM sample grids after the grids and samples have been cryocooled. The puck carries one or more cryo-EM sample grids and includes a puck top portion and a puck bottom portion, each formed with a cryogenic-temperature compatible material. The bottom portion includes multiple receptacles that each accepts and holds a sample grid. The top portion includes an array of funnels. The puck top and bottom portions are assembled together by inserting the top portion into the bottom portion. When the puck may be immersed in a liquid cryogen, each funnel guides a sample grid released into an upper portion of the funnel downward and into a grid receptacle within a bottom portion of the funnel.

Abstract: A system for cryocooling biological samples includes a first chamber that holds a first amount a cryogenic liquid. A container holder, which is positioned in thermal contact with the first chamber, holds a removable container positioned therein. The container holds a second amount of the cryogenic liquid and forms a second chamber. An elongated tube holder holds a hollow elongated tube into the container. A sample wand holds and transfers a sample holder with a biological sample into the elongated tube while the elongated tube is in the container with the second amount of the cryogenic liquid.

Abstract: Presented are sample-supporting foils and grids for cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) systems, methods for making/using disclosed cryo-EM foils, grids, devices, and/or systems, and cryo-EM systems equipped with disclosed foils, grids, and/or devices. A sample-support grid assembly may include a grid body with opposing first and second grid surfaces and multiple grid holes extending through the grid body from the first grid surface to the second grid surface. A foil sheet is seated against the first surface and covers at least a subset of the grid holes in the grid body. The foil sheet includes multiple foil regions filled with foil holes and separated from each other by multiple elongated slots. These elongated slots enable the foil regions to move with respect to each other when the grid assembly is under load. The slots of the foil sheet may be arranged in an auxetic pattern.

Abstract: Humidified sample preparation station for serial crystallography according to one embodiment is a humidified enclosure that delivers relative humidities above 95% and preferably above 97% in standard operation, and that can allow microscope observation of samples within. Humidified sample preparation station for serial crystallography can be used for preparation of protein crystal samples for examination using X-rays and for protein structure determination by X-ray crystallography, involving addition of liquid to the sample and removal of liquid from the sample using vacuum or suction.

Abstract: Humidified sample preparation station for serial crystallography according to one embodiment is a humidified enclosure that delivers relative humidities above 95% and preferably above 97% in standard operation, and that can allow microscope observation of samples within. Humidified sample preparation station for serial crystallography can be used for preparation of protein crystal samples for examination using X-rays and for protein structure determination by X-ray crystallography, involving addition of liquid to the sample and removal of liquid from the sample using vacuum or suction.

Abstract: A system for cryocooling biological samples includes a first chamber that holds a first amount a cryogenic liquid. A container holder, which is positioned in thermal contact with the first chamber, holds a removable container positioned therein. The container holds a second amount of the cryogenic liquid and forms a second chamber. An elongated tube holder holds a hollow elongated tube into the container. A sample wand holds and transfers a sample holder with a biological sample into the elongated tube while the elongated tube is in the container with the second amount of the cryogenic liquid.

Abstract: A system for cryocooling biological samples, including a first chamber configured to hold a first amount a cryogenic liquid; a container holder positioned in thermal contact with the first chamber and configured to hold at least one removable container positioned therein, wherein the container is configured to hold a second amount of the cryogenic liquid and forms a second chamber; an elongated tube holder configured to hold at least one hollow elongated tube into the container; and a sample wand configured to hold and transfer at least one sample holder with a biological sample into the elongated tube while the elongated tube is in the container with the second amount of the cryogenic liquid therein.

Abstract: Humidified sample preparation station for serial crystallography according to one embodiment is a humidified enclosure that delivers relative humidities above 95% and preferably above 97% in standard operation, and that can allow microscope observation of samples within. Humidified sample preparation station for serial crystallography can be used for preparation of protein crystal samples for examination using X-rays and for protein structure determination by X-ray crystallography, involving addition of liquid to the sample and removal of liquid from the sample using vacuum or suction.

Abstract: A system for cryocooling biological samples, including a first chamber configured to hold a first amount a cryogenic liquid; a container holder positioned in thermal contact with the first chamber and configured to hold at least one removable container positioned therein, wherein the container is configured to hold a second amount of the cryogenic liquid and forms a second chamber; an elongated tube holder configured to hold at least one hollow elongated tube into the container; and a sample wand configured to hold and transfer at least one sample holder with a biological sample into the elongated tube while the elongated tube is in the container with the second amount of the cryogenic liquid therein.