Support films
Merit Badge 2
Category: Sample preparation
Sub-category: Room temperture work
This merit badge covers support films for EM grids.
Theoretical background
Knowledge of the workflow
Safety
For general safety information see the SOPs in the right bar.
Vendor product information
• Smith Grid Coating Trough
• EM grids
• Grid storage boxes
Theoretical knowledge
• JoVE – Making Carbon Coated EM Grids for Negative Staining EM
• Ultrastable gold substrates: Properties of a support for high-resolution electron cryomicroscopy of biological specimens.
Center specific guidelines
• NCCAT Continuous carbon grid making SOP
• NYSBC-NCCAT Gold grid making instructions
Knowledge test
A pass/fail test
The knowledge assessment test primarily covering a safety quiz will be given and may be updated regularly. If a user has earned the merit badge and policies have been updated, then an updated information sheet would have to be reviewed ahead of doing cryogenic work at the center.
Demonstration
Center staff training
The workflow demonstration should be scheduled with center staff through the NCCAT User Office or your appointed user coordinator.
Practice
Supervised and unsupervised practice by the user
Center staff will assist in arranging dedicated time slots for access to the necessary equipment. Registered users will be issued scheduler accounts through the NCCAT User Office.
Practical test
Two (2) separate center staff observing your proficiency at separate times
Center staff will assist in arranging dedicated time slots for access to the necessary equipment. Appointments may be made through the NCCAT User Office.
Additional information
Recertification period
- Sample preparation merit badges for room temperature work are valid for ~1yr.
- Recertification (to maintain active status) would entail demonstrating proper use and care in front of a center staff member.
General NYSBC/NCCAT safety SOPs