Are you a researcher in the life sciences or pharmaceutical sector seeking to unlock the intricate three-dimensional structures of biological macromolecules? Do you need to visualize proteins, viruses, or nucleic acid complexes at near-atomic resolution? Then Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) services are your gateway to groundbreaking discoveries. At Shuimu BioSciences, we provide comprehensive, one-stop Cryo-EM solutions to guide you seamlessly from your initial sample to a high-resolution structural model. Visit https://shuimubio.com/ to explore our full range of services and contact our marketing team to discuss your project needs.
Embarking on Your Cryo-EM Journey: Sample Preparation is Key
The foundation of any successful Cryo-EM project lies in the quality of your sample. Shuimu BioSciences understands this critical step and offers expert guidance and even protein preparation and analysis services to ensure your sample is optimized for structural determination.
- Diverse Sample Compatibility: Our One-Stop SPA Solutions are adept at handling a wide array of biomacromolecules, including antigen-antibody complexes, small molecules & targets, PROTACs, membrane proteins (GPCRs, ion channels, transporters), VLPs, and peptides.
- Sample Quality Control: We emphasize the importance of protein concentration, volume, and purity. For optimal results, we recommend a protein concentration of ≥ 2mg/mL, a volume of ≥ 100ul, and purity ≥90%. Techniques like SDS-PAGE and molecular sieve chromatography are crucial for assessing purity.
- Buffer Considerations: The buffer solution should have a glycerol concentration reduced, a salt ion concentration ≤300mM, and ideally should not contain polysaccharides, DMSO, or other organic substances. Minimizing repeated freeze-thaw cycles and using freshly prepared samples are strongly advised.
For small molecule samples intended for MicroED Solutions, we require stable crystals with a purity >95% and a recommended amount of more than 10mg. Providing affinity data with the target protein is also beneficial.
To learn more about our sample submission requirements and how we can assist with protein preparation, visit https://shuimubio.com/ and contact our marketing specialists.
Navigating the Cryo-EM Landscape: Choosing the Right Technique
Shuimu BioSciences offers a suite of advanced Cryo-EM techniques tailored to address diverse research questions.
- Single Particle Analysis (SPA): This powerful approach integrates Cryo-EM to reveal high-resolution 3D structures of isolated biological macromolecules. By collecting numerous 2D images of purified particles and employing sophisticated computational algorithms, SPA generates detailed 3D models. SPA is particularly advantageous for preserving samples close to their native state, capturing diverse conformations, requiring minimal sample volume, and determining heterologous protein complexes. Our One-Stop SPA Solutions cover the entire workflow, from project consultation and feasibility evaluation to data delivery.
- MicroED Solutions: This cutting-edge technology enables the precise resolution of high-resolution structures from microcrystals and nanocrystals, making it ideal for small molecule drugs and protein structure determination. Our proprietary eTasED software seamlessly integrates MicroED into conventional Cryo-EM systems. We have successfully delivered over 80% of MicroED projects, achieving resolutions of 0.6~1.0Å.
- Cryo Characterization: This technique utilizes ultra-low temperature to maintain the natural state of samples for high-resolution structural observation and analysis of AAV, liposomes, LNPs, VLPs, and material interfaces. Our self-developed NanoSMART AI system can automatically identify nanoparticle features, providing detailed reports on size distribution, roundness, and integrity with one-click operation.
- Negative Staining & 2D Negative Staining: While lower in resolution than Cryo-EM, negative staining is a valuable initial step for assessing particle homogeneity in proteins (AAV, exosomes, membrane proteins, viruses, soluble proteins) and observing plant and animal tissue sections. It provides rapid insights into sample quality and can guide subsequent high-resolution Cryo-EM studies.
Discover which Cryo-EM technique best suits your research objectives by visiting https://shuimubio.com/ and contacting our knowledgeable marketing team for a consultation.
Shuimu BioSciences: Your Partner in Structural Biology
Choosing Shuimu BioSciences for your Cryo-EM needs offers numerous advantages:
- Cutting-Edge Equipment: Our Cryo-EM Center is equipped with state-of-the-art 300 kV electron microscopes in both Beijing and Hangzhou (2 and 6 machines respectively). We continuously invest in advanced instrumentation and computing platforms to ensure high-resolution structural analysis.
- Elite Scientist Team: Our team comprises PhD-level experts from preeminent institutions, specializing in structural biology, protein science, and computational biology. Their extensive experience ensures the success of your project.
- Extensive Experience: We have successfully completed over 400 Cryo-EM projects, resolving more than 150 structures with a best resolution of 1.8 Å and even elucidating protein structures as small as 51 kDa.
- AI-Driven Platform: Our independently developed SMART software suite utilizes artificial intelligence to streamline Cryo-EM data analysis, reducing machine runtime and improving efficiency.
- 24/7 Instrument Access: We offer round-the-clock instrument time reservation, with expedited channels and efficient scheduling. Our daily platform maintenance and experienced technicians ensure optimal data collection.
- GraFuture™ Support Grids: To overcome challenges such as preferred orientation and limitations with small or low-concentration samples, we offer graphene-based support grids (GraFuture™ GO & RGO). These grids can significantly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of structure determination.
Realizing the Impact: Applications of Cryo-EM Services
Cryo-EM is revolutionizing various fields of biological research and drug development.
- Vaccine Development: Cryo-EM plays a crucial role in viral structure analysis, vaccine quality control, and antibody-vaccine interaction studies. Understanding viral entry mechanisms through high-resolution structures, such as the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein bound to the ACE2 receptor, provides key insights for vaccine design. It also aids in rapidly analyzing new viral variants to adapt vaccine strategies.
- Antibody Drug Discovery: Cryo-EM is invaluable for analyzing antibody-antigen complex structures, understanding mechanisms of action, optimizing and designing antibody drugs, and studying membrane protein targets like GPCRs. The high resolution and rapid data acquisition of Cryo-EM accelerate the entire drug development process.
- Understanding Fundamental Biological Processes: Cryo-EM enables the visualization of a wide range of biomacromolecules and their interactions, including enzymes, ribosomes, DNA and RNA structures, protein-nucleic acid complexes, and viral particles. This provides critical insights into fundamental biological processes and disease mechanisms.
Take the Next Step: Partner with Shuimu BioSciences
From initial sample preparation to final high-resolution structure determination, Shuimu BioSciences is committed to providing you with exceptional Cryo-EM services. Our expertise, cutting-edge technology, and comprehensive solutions empower researchers to push the boundaries of scientific discovery.
Visit https://shuimubio.com/ today to explore our services in detail, learn more about our successful project cases, and discover how we can help you achieve your research goals. For personalized consultations and further information, please do not hesitate to contact our marketing team. We look forward to partnering with you on your Cryo-EM journey.
