Cryo Electron Microscopy for Structural biology and CLEM on cellular samples and Related Sample Preparation

The Cryo-Electron Microscopy facility at the Institute of Materials (IOM–CNR) provides an integrated environment for the preparation, handling and analysis of biological and material samples under cryogenic conditions. The laboratory supports a complete workflow, from sample vitrification and optical characterization to cryogenic micro‑ and nano‑machining, enabling high‑resolution structural studies across life sciences and materials research.
At the core of the facility is the Thermo Fisher Aquilos 2 Cryo-FIB-SEM, a next‑generation system combining a highly stable focused ion beam with a cryo‑optimized scanning electron microscope. It enables precise thinning of vitrified samples to lamellae suitable for cryo‑TEM and offers high‑resolution SEM imaging at low temperatures, preserving native ultrastructure while minimizing contamination.
Sample vitrification is carried out using both the Thermo Fisher Vitrobot Mark IV and the Leica EM GP2. These instruments ensure controlled blotting, temperature and humidity regulation, and reproducible formation of amorphous ice films. Their complementary operating modes allow robust and flexible preparation of a wide variety of biological specimens.
For preliminary characterization and localization of regions of interest, the facility includes a Leica Stellaris 5 confocal microscope, equipped for sensitive multispectral fluorescence imaging and 3D reconstruction. Together with the vitrification systems and the Aquilos 2, it supports a fully integrated cryo‑CLEM workflow, enabling direct correlation between fluorescent signals and ultrastructural features in cellular samples.
The facility is completed by a suite of preparatory tools—including sputter and carbon coaters, dual glow‑discharge units, and a temperature‑ and humidity‑controlled pre-room—ensuring optimal handling of grids and samples prior to freezing.
Overall, the CryoEM facility at IOM offers a streamlined, end‑to‑end platform for advanced cryogenic microscopy, establishing itself as a reference hub for both cryo‑EM and cryo‑CLEM applications.