Cryo-Electron Microscopy

The core service provided by BECM to our users is high throughput data collection on our state-of-the-art JEOL Cryo ARM 300 transmission electron microscope. This instrument can perform cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) in its two most broadly used forms, single particle analysis (SPA) and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET, offered end 2019). These imaging techniques allow visualization of biomolecular structures, such as proteins, macromolecular complexes, bacteria, and cell organelles at subnanometer resolution in close-to-native conditions (no chemical fixation or staining required).

Apply for Screening time on a JEOL 1400 microscope

Apply for data collection time on the CryoARM 300.

Sample Preparation

The samples can be prepared at BECM or shipped to BECM by the customer. We offer rapid plunge freezing using a Gatan CP3.

Samples can also be negatively stained for screening puposes

Seminars/lectures

BECM aims to contribute to the education of a new generation of cryo-electron microscopists by providing in person training and a monthly seminar series.

The seminar series will occur every 2nd Monday of the month on the VUB campus and consist of a short user presentation, a general discussion of things happening at BECM and a presentation of various aspects of cryo-EM.