[3dem] [External] Advice for grid storage for a new lab

[Morgan, David Gene]

Abris,

We are in the process of converting from "Falcon tubes on strings" to one of the puck systems.  There are definitely higher costs associated with the pucks, but our experience so far suggests that they are worth it.  We can store more grids more easily and never worry about losing a tube because a string breaks or gets cut.  You will need to think about "bookkeeping" but is true for any storage system.

I had initially wondered about ice contamination from taking a rack of pucks out of the storage dewar every time I dealt with any of the grids, but at least so far, I don't think I see that happening.  Others who have used similar systems longer may be able to comment on this.

--
    politics is more difficult than physics.
                                             A. Einstein

            David Gene Morgan
        Electron Microscopy Center
             047E Simon Hall
             IU Bloomington
          812 856 1457 (office)
          812 856 3221 (3200)
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Subject: [External] [3dem] Advice for grid storage for a new lab


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Dear all,


We are setting up a cryoEM sample preparation lab (mostly for SPA) from scratch, and still missing some smaller equipment and consumables. I would like to ask for your input on what is regarded as best practices for a smaller starting-out lab. What is currently the best option for boxes and storage of non-clipped grids? I have seen the emergence of twist-top grid boxes (eg from SWISSCI) and pucks (eg MiTeGen Gen 2), but have no experience with them. Any suggestions or other tips, not just for storage options, for a beginner lab would be most welcome.


Best regards,

Abris


_______________________________________________

Ábris Á. Bendes, PhD

InFLAMES Flagship postdoctoral researcher

Salminen lab / SBL / Åbo Akademi University

Jalkanen and Hollmén lab / MediCity / University of Turku
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