The Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) Facility, operated under the Centre for Research in Biopharmaceuticals and Biotechnology (CRBS) and the McGill Facility for Electron Microscopy Research (FEMR), provides state-of-the-art cryo-EM infrastructure for single-particle analysis and cryo-electron tomography. Following the “resolution revolution” in cryo-EM, which earned the 2017 Nobel Prize in Chemistry (Henderson, Frank & Dubochet), the technology now enables atomic-resolution imaging of biological macromolecules.

Key Equipment & Capabilities:

• Single-Particle Analysis & Cryo-Electron Tomography – Enables atomic-resolution structure determination of biological samples.
• Sample Preparation Equipment (Bellini Building, CRBS)
• Vitrobot – Automated plunge freezer for preparing vitrified samples.
• Carbon Coater – Ensures optimal support films for cryo-EM grids.
• Glow Discharger – Enhances sample adhesion by surface treatment of carbon grids.
• Advanced Cryo-EM Microscopes (FEMR, Strathcona Building)
• Titan Krios with K3 Direct Electron Detector – High-performance 300 kV transmission electron microscope (TEM) for single-particle cryo-EM and tomography, providing the highest resolution available for macromolecular structures.

This facility supports structural biology, drug discovery, and cellular imaging at the highest resolution, enabling researchers to solve complex macromolecular structures with unprecedented detail.

For McGill lab users, unsupervised access is available at $10/hour. Prior training and approval are required for independent use.