Introduction
Shake-it-off: an open source Cryo-EM sample preparation platform:
A simple open-source CryoEM sample preparation device. The device is controlled by a Raspberry Pi single-board computer and all components are widely available. The simple open-source design permits the straightforward customization of the instrument for customized experiments.
SYSTEM DECOMPOSITION
Based on the shake-it-off platform, we established a comprehensive system which includes functions of plunge-freezing, real-time temperature and humidity monitoring and regulation.
- The system contains plunging solenoid, structural framework, controlling circuits and a cold tank. The plunging-freezing is achieved by turning on and off the solenoid to active the electromagnetic force, which can either hold the forceps up by repel the metal cylinder or release the cylinder and the forceps attached on it to send the grids at the tip of forceps to liquid ethane for flash-freezing.
- The on/off status of solenoid id controlled by a Raspberry Pi with python code. The cold tank has two separate containers for ethane in the container at center and liquid nitrogen in the outer space. The liquid nitrogen is used for maintain the temperature of ethane and its surrounding environment to prevent the liquid ethane from evaporate too fast.
