NCCAT & NRAMM
Workshop on graphene grids for cryoEM
August 24, 2021 | 9am-5pm
Accessible and robust methods for preparing high-yield monolayer graphene grids for cryo-EM could significantly alleviate issues with grid preparation. The graphene grid making approach employed and published recently (Han, Fan et al. 2020) may increase particle concentration over grid holes without compromising high resolution structural information.
Authors of (Han, Fan et al., 2020) from Rice and Princeton University, in conjunction with the NCCAT and NRAMM, will lead a hands-on workshop aimed at teaching attendees how they make graphene grids for cryo-EM. With this knowledge, researchers will be able to prepare graphene grids in a typical biology lab using commercially available graphene sheets.
This workshop is offered at NO COST, but limited to 12 attendees.
The application deadline was July 26, 2021 at 5pm ET. For further inquires please email the NCCAT User Office.
Workshop agenda
August 24, 2021
| 9:00-9:15 | Coffee & Tea |
| 9:15 | Welcome |
| 9:15-9:45 . |
Presentation on the overall method Yimo Han (Rice University) |
| 9:45-10:15 . |
Flash talks Attendee introductions |
| 10:15-11:15 . |
Practical Steps 1&2 preparing graphene on copper and etching |
| 11:15-12:15 . |
Practical Step 3 placing graphene on holey carbon grids |
| 12:15-14:00 . |
Practical Step 4 removing the graphene supporting layer |
| 12:30 | Lunch and Discussion |
| 14:00-15:00 . |
Practical Step 5 bake and investigation of graphene grids in an SEM |
| 15:00-15:30 . |
Practical Step 6 UV-ozone treatment of graphene grids |
| 15:30-16:15 . |
Practical Step 7 sample plunge freezing using graphene grids |
| 16:15-16:30 . |
Practical Step 8 grid processing and loading into TEMs |
| 16:30 . |
Practical Step 9 imaging graphene grids in a TEM |
| 16:30 | Closing and reception |
Workshop Details
The workshop will be held on Tuesday, August 24 from 9am-5pm at NCCAT and NRAMM, which is located at the New York Structural Biology Center in NYC. Lunch will be served.
We reserve the right to postpone the workshop if the health situation changes.
Yes. This will be an in-person on-site workshop. All attendees should be prepared to provide a CDC vaccination card or show their New York State Excelsior Pass showing proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
If you choose not to declare your vaccination status, then you must wear a KN95 or N95 mask while onsite. A KN95 or N95 mask will be provided by NYSBC if necessary.
A copy of the NYSBC’s COVID-19 policies may be found here.
No previous experience on graphene grids is required.
Workshop attendees are encouraged to bring cryoEM samples. The NCCAT User Office will reach out to accepted registrants about sample logistics.
During registration please note any dietary restrictions.
Yes. All parts of the workshop will be recorded and posted on our website.
SEMC Forum
Graphene meets protein: exploring applications of two-dimensional materials in cryoEM
Yimo Han (Rice University)
August 23, 2021
References
Original paper:
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1919114117
Photo gallery
Single particle cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) is a cutting-edge technology to determine three-dimensional atomic structures of bio-macromolecules. However, cryo-sample preparation issues may limit cryoEM from achieving higher resolution. Yimo and Xiao have established a method to obtain high yield, monolayer graphene support films to improve cryo-sample quality.
This workshop is organized by Yimo Han, Xiao Fan, Ed Eng & Alex Noble and hosted by NCCAT & NRAMM.
For more information email nccatinfo [at] nysbc.org .