Laboratory for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics (LBSD)-CryoEM
This cutting-edge facility is equipped with the Titan Krios G4, a state-of-the-art 300 kV cryo-electron microscope renowned for its unmatched atomic resolution in single-particle analysis, micro-ED, and tomographic cryo-electron microscopy.The Laboratory for Biomolecular Structure and Dynamics (LBSD) at Texas A&M University, located within the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, situated in the NMR wing (Room N108A) of the Biochemistry and Biophysics building (BICH-1507) on the West Campus. This cutting-edge facility is equipped with the Titan Krios G4, a state-of-the-art 300 kV cryo-electron microscope renowned for its unmatched atomic resolution in single-particle analysis, micro-ED, and tomographic cryo-electron microscopy.
To ensure optimal conditions for high-resolution imaging, the space housing the cryo-electron microscope has been meticulously renovated, with careful attention paid to minimizing vibrations and other sources of interference. A dedicated air exchange system ensures precise temperature control while minimizing airflow fluctuations, and humidity levels are carefully regulated to prevent ice contamination on sample grids during handling.
With these advanced features and a commitment to maintaining ideal imaging conditions, the LBSD cryo-electron microscopy facility enables researchers to push the boundaries of structural biology and molecular imaging.
The laboratory is open to researchers across the Texas A&M University System, as well as to external academic and non-academic institutions.
Equipment
Krios G4 Cryo-TEM
Tightly controlled environment space
High-brightness X-FEG gun
Constant Power lenses
Three condenser lens systems for parallel sample illumination
Robotic Autoloader handles and stores up to 12 EM grids
Volta phase plate
GIF BioContinuum Imaging Filter
Pre-GIF CETAD indirect detection CMOS camera
Post-GIF K3 summit direct detection camera
EPU: Automated Data Acquisition Software for Single Particle Analysis
EPU-D: Automated Data Acquisition Software for micro-ED
SerialEM: Automated Data Acquisition Software for Single Particle Analysis, Tomography
Gatan Microscopy Suite® (GMS 3)
Sample Preparation
Tightly controlled environment lab
PELCO dual chamber easiGlow™ Glow Discharge Cleaning System
Optimized for cleaning TEM grids
FEI Vitrobot™ Mark IV
Tabletop refrigerated microcentrifuge
Grid Storage Dewars
Grid clipping and loading stations
Zeiss Cryo-CLEM (LSM900 with Airy Scan and Linkam Cryo-Stage)
High-end confocal imaging
Improved confocal experiment with LSM Plus
Super-resolution and speed with Airyscan2
Investigate molecular dynamics with Dynamics Profile