LEICA EMPACT2 high-pressure freezer preventing the formation of crystal ice
Sample Preparation for Electron Microscopy – LEICA EMPACT2: high-pressure freezing of samples preventing the formation of crystalic ice
The Leica EMPACT2 is a high pressure freezing system for vitrifying samples up to 200 µm in thickness without the artefacts of chemical fixation. It preserves the biological samples in near-to-native state for further high-resolution EM observation. Bayonet loading device provides automatic specimen orientation. After freezing, the specimen is ejected into liquid nitrogen bath. The temperature/pressure curve is displayed for each run allowing the precise control of the process. Internal memory allows to collect up to 8 000 freezing runs. High-pressure frozen samples can be processed by either Frozen Hydrated Sectioning or Freeze Substitution. The Freeze Fracture Holder is also available.
LEICA EM AFS2 processing the samples in automated or manual mode for freeze-substitution and plastic embedding
Sample Preparation for Electron Microscopy – Leica EM AFS2: replacement of ice in the sample with resins
Leica EM AFS2 performs freeze substitution and progressive lowering of temperature, then allowing low temperature embedding and resin polymerization. It is equipped with UV lamp. Specimen can be visualized with the attached stereomicroscope under internal LED illumination. The temperature working range is from 140 °C to +70°C. The 35 l Dewar enables long protocols. Liquid nitrogen filling from outside of specimen chamber allows refilling during the run. The “Deep Freeze” function allows sample transfer at temperatures around -140 °C. Adjustable transfer function of gaseous (evaporated) liquid nitrogen excludes humidity and oxygen, which results in no contamination of the specimen. Several substitution systems are available: Substitution-Capsule and Flat Embedding System, New Microtube Embedding System EM AFS2 and Sapphire Disc FS System. The Leica EM FSP (freeze substitution processor) is an automatic reagent handling system. Mounted on the Leica EM AFS2, it dispenses reagents for both FS and PLT applications minimizing operators contact with toxic media and reducing risk to lose a specimen.
LEICA EM ICE high-pressure freezer with light stimulation
Sample Preparation for Electron Microscopy – EM ICE: high-pressure freezing of samples preventing the formation of crystalic ice, light stimulation for optogenetic systems
The Leica EMPACT2 is a high pressure freezing system for vitrifying samples up to 200 µm in thickness without the artefacts of chemical fixation. It preserves the biological samples in near-to-native state for further high-resolution EM observation. The EM ICE solution uses a unique, alcohol-free freezing principle to allow a superior cryo-fixation of the specimen enabling better quality results to be obtained. Quick sample loading and fully automated freezing process allows to minimize the manipulation time before freezing. After freezing, the specimen is ejected into liquid nitrogen bath. The temperature/pressure curve is displayed for each run allowing the precise control of the process. Synchronizing light stimulation (blue light 405 nm) and high pressure freezing enables to visualize highly dynamic processes and structural changes in photosensitive specimens with nanometer resolution and millisecond precision.
The EM GP2 plunge freezes fluid or extremely thin samples spread on an electron microscopy grid into liquid ethane after removing excess fluid by automatic blotting. Prior to freezing the sample is maintained in a temperature and humidity controlled environmental chamber, adjustable between +4°C and +60°C and room humidity to 99 %. It allows quick, safe and reproducible preparation of high-quality vitrified samples for single particle analysis or cryo – (S)TEM tomography research applications.
Leica ACE900 freeze-fracture system
Leica ACE900 freeze fracture
The Leica EM ACE900 is a high-end sample preparation system allowing to perform freeze fracture, freeze etching, and e-beam coating in one instrument. The high resolution carbon/Pt mix coatings by e-beam with rotating cryo stage offer flexible shadowing options for any TEM and SEM analysis. With a load lock for sample and knife transfer and gate valves for each e-beam source, the instrument can always stay under vacuum which ensures fast and clean working conditions. Freeze-fracture and replica immunolabeling technique is especially suitable for studies of membranes, bacteria, cell organelles.
