Tech Exchange with DENSsolutions

We are happy to invite you to a presentation by one of our Industry Board members!

Hugo Pérez, CEO of DENSsolutions, will present on "Introducing CryoSilico: Revolutionizing CryoEM Sample Stability and Data Quality with Microfabrication and Graphene".

Cryo-electron microscopy (CryoEM) is essential for determining the structures of biomolecules, but traditional sample carriers (grids) have remained largely unchanged. In this abstract, we present CryoSilico, a silicon-based sample carrier developed using advanced microfabrication techniques to address the limitations of conventional grids.

Conventional grids, made of soft metals with holey carbon films, are fragile, prone to bending, and inconsistent in surface properties, complicating sample preparation and imaging. In contrast, CryoSilico offers an ultra-flat, graphene-coated membrane supported by a robust silicon frame. This innovative design ensures uniform ice thickness, reduced beam-induced motion, and exceptional thermal stability, enhancing imaging quality and stability, particularly in the critical early frames. The larger uninterrupted viewing area accelerates data collection while maintaining high imaging stability.

CryoSilico’s ultra-large grid bar-free windows also simplify cryoFIB lamella preparation and improve the probability of capturing one or more cells on a single membrane, especially for CryoET applications. Additionally, its seamless compatibility with standard autoloaders, vitrification systems, and handling tools ensures researchers can maintain trusted workflows without disruption. Each CryoSilico carrier is microfabricated at the wafer level, ensuring reproducibility, scalability, and uniform quality. The carriers also feature unique identifiers for streamlined sample traceability and future customization potential. Our presentation will demonstrate beam-induced motion comparisons and the imaging stability achievable with CryoSilico.