Sample Prep Series Part 1: Preparing your sample for vitrification

<!doctype html><html lang="en-gb"><head> <meta charset="utf-8"> <title>Sample Prep Series Part 1: Preparing your sample for vitrification</title> <link rel="shortcut icon" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/Logos/spt-labtech-favicon.png"> <meta name="description" content="Part 1 of this blog series explores sample quality and how to determine its suitability for high resolution structure determination.">  <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/hs-fs/hub/6586853/hub_generated/template_assets/84186523818/1690761173406/SPT-Labtech-2021/SPT-Labtech-Theme-2021/css/main.css"> <script src="https://code.jquery.com/jquery-3.6.0.min.js" integrity="sha256-/xUj+3OJU5yExlq6GSYGSHk7tPXikynS7ogEvDej/m4=" crossorigin="anonymous"></script> <script src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/select2@4.1.0-rc.0/dist/js/select2.min.js"></script>  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1"> <meta property="og:description" content="Part 1 of this blog series explores sample quality and how to determine its suitability for high resolution structure determination."> <meta property="og:title" content="Sample Prep Series Part 1: Preparing your sample for vitrification"> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Part 1 of this blog series explores sample quality and how to determine its suitability for high resolution structure determination."> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Sample Prep Series Part 1: Preparing your sample for vitrification"> <style> a.cta_button{-moz-box-sizing:content-box !important;-webkit-box-sizing:content-box !important;box-sizing:content-box !important;vertical-align:middle}.hs-breadcrumb-menu{list-style-type:none;margin:0px 0px 0px 0px;padding:0px 0px 0px 0px}.hs-breadcrumb-menu-item{float:left;padding:10px 0px 10px 10px}.hs-breadcrumb-menu-divider:before{content:'›';padding-left:10px}.hs-featured-image-link{border:0}.hs-featured-image{float:right;margin:0 0 20px 20px;max-width:50%}@media (max-width: 568px){.hs-featured-image{float:none;margin:0;width:100%;max-width:100%}}.hs-screen-reader-text{clip:rect(1px, 1px, 1px, 1px);height:1px;overflow:hidden;position:absolute !important;width:1px} </style> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/hs-fs/hub/6586853/hub_generated/module_assets/48986487992/1718355622882/module_48986487992_menu-section.min.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/-1/hub_generated/module_assets/-2712622/1731959281878/module_-2712622_Site_Search_Input.min.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/-1/hub_generated/module_assets/-2712624/1731959284375/module_-2712624_Site_Search_Results.min.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/hs-fs/hub/6586853/hub_generated/module_assets/50241018207/1631105005856/module_50241018207_blog_article_hero_banner.min.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/hs-fs/hub/6586853/hub_generated/module_assets/178599170471/1727256234165/module_178599170471_NEW_Global_Footer.min.css"> <link rel="preload" as="style" href="https://39666904.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/39666904/raw_assets/media-default-modules/master/406/js_client_assets/assets/TrackPlayAnalytics-Cm48oVxd.css"> <link rel="preload" as="style" href="https://39666904.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/39666904/raw_assets/media-default-modules/master/406/js_client_assets/assets/Tooltip-DkS5dgLo.css"> <script type="application/ld+json"> { "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@type" : "WebPage", "@id" : "https://www.sptlabtech.com/blog/sample-prep-series-part-1-preparing-your-sample-for-vitrification" }, "author" : { "name" : "SPT Labtech", "url" : "https://www.sptlabtech.com/blog/author/spt-labtech", "@type" : "Person" }, "headline" : "Sample Prep Series Part 1: Preparing your sample for vitrification", "datePublished" : "2021-04-28T10:28:44.000Z", "dateModified" : "2021-08-10T13:30:38.517Z", "publisher" : { "name" : "SPT Labtech Ltd", "logo" : { "url" : "https://discovery.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/SPT_Labtech_Master_RGB(850x176px).jpg", "@type" : "ImageObject" }, "@type" : "Organization" }, "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "image" : [ "https://discovery.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/Campaigns/Structural-Biology/SB004%20-%20Sample%20prep%20blog%20series/sample-prep-series-part-1-preparing-your-sample-for-verification-feature-image.jpg" ] } </script>  <script> var _hsp = window._hsp = window._hsp || []; _hsp.push(['addPrivacyConsentListener', function(consent) { if (consent.allowed || (consent.categories && consent.categories.analytics)) { (function(i,s,o,g,r,a,m){i['GoogleAnalyticsObject']=r;i[r]=i[r]||function(){ (i[r].q=i[r].q||[]).push(arguments)},i[r].l=1*new Date();a=s.createElement(o), m=s.getElementsByTagName(o)[0];a.async=1;a.src=g;m.parentNode.insertBefore(a,m) })(window,document,'script','//www.google-analytics.com/analytics.js','ga'); ga('create','UA-17436965-1','auto'); ga('send','pageview'); }}]); </script>   <script> var _hsp = window._hsp = window._hsp || []; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} var useGoogleConsentModeV2 = true; var waitForUpdateMillis = 1000; if (!window._hsGoogleConsentRunOnce) { window._hsGoogleConsentRunOnce = true; gtag('consent', 'default', { 'ad_storage': 'denied', 'analytics_storage': 'denied', 'ad_user_data': 'denied', 'ad_personalization': 'denied', 'wait_for_update': waitForUpdateMillis }); if (useGoogleConsentModeV2) { _hsp.push(['useGoogleConsentModeV2']) } else { _hsp.push(['addPrivacyConsentListener', function(consent){ var hasAnalyticsConsent = consent && (consent.allowed || (consent.categories && consent.categories.analytics)); var hasAdsConsent = consent && (consent.allowed || (consent.categories && consent.categories.advertisement)); gtag('consent', 'update', { 'ad_storage': hasAdsConsent ? 'granted' : 'denied', 'analytics_storage': hasAnalyticsConsent ? 'granted' : 'denied', 'ad_user_data': hasAdsConsent ? 'granted' : 'denied', 'ad_personalization': hasAdsConsent ? 'granted' : 'denied' }); }]); } } gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('set', 'developer_id.dZTQ1Zm', true); gtag('config', 'G-067NPSFSGT'); </script> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-067NPSFSGT"></script>   <script> var _hsp = window._hsp = window._hsp || []; window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} var useGoogleConsentModeV2 = true; var waitForUpdateMillis = 1000; var hsLoadGtm = function loadGtm() { if(window._hsGtmLoadOnce) { return; } if (useGoogleConsentModeV2) { gtag('set','developer_id.dZTQ1Zm',true); gtag('consent', 'default', { 'ad_storage': 'denied', 'analytics_storage': 'denied', 'ad_user_data': 'denied', 'ad_personalization': 'denied', 'wait_for_update': waitForUpdateMillis }); _hsp.push(['useGoogleConsentModeV2']) } (function(w,d,s,l,i){w[l]=w[l]||[];w[l].push({'gtm.start': new Date().getTime(),event:'gtm.js'});var f=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0], j=d.createElement(s),dl=l!='dataLayer'?'&l='+l:'';j.async=true;j.src= 'https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtm.js?id='+i+dl;f.parentNode.insertBefore(j,f); })(window,document,'script','dataLayer','GTM-5GW3GJ9'); window._hsGtmLoadOnce = true; }; _hsp.push(['addPrivacyConsentListener', function(consent){ if(consent.allowed || (consent.categories && consent.categories.analytics)){ hsLoadGtm(); } }]); </script>   <script src="https://cdn.bioz.com/assets/bioz-w-api-2.5.min.js"></script>  <script type="text/javascript"> (function(c,l,a,r,i,t,y){ c[a]=c[a]||function(){(c[a].q=c[a].q||[]).push(arguments)}; t=l.createElement(r);t.async=1;t.src="https://www.clarity.ms/tag/"+i; y=l.getElementsByTagName(r)[0];y.parentNode.insertBefore(t,y); })(window, document, "clarity", "script", "b980n9j1zx"); </script> <meta name="facebook-domain-verification" content="6swjbfmhuvnpjm6cw3mf6etjmi0qkb"> <meta property="og:image" content="https://www.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/Campaigns/Structural-Biology/SB004%20-%20Sample%20prep%20blog%20series/sample-prep-series-part-1-preparing-your-sample-for-verification-feature-image.jpg"> <meta property="og:image:width" content="380"> <meta property="og:image:height" content="230"> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://www.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/Campaigns/Structural-Biology/SB004%20-%20Sample%20prep%20blog%20series/sample-prep-series-part-1-preparing-your-sample-for-verification-feature-image.jpg"> <meta property="og:url" content="https://www.sptlabtech.com/blog/sample-prep-series-part-1-preparing-your-sample-for-vitrification"> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/blog/sample-prep-series-part-1-preparing-your-sample-for-vitrification"> <meta property="og:type" content="article"> <link rel="alternate" type="application/rss+xml" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/blog/rss.xml"> <meta name="twitter:domain" content="www.sptlabtech.com"> <meta name="twitter:site" content="@SPTLabtech"> <script src="//platform.linkedin.com/in.js" type="text/javascript"> lang: en_US </script> <meta http-equiv="content-language" content="en-gb"> <meta name="generator" content="HubSpot"></head> <body onload="randombg()">  <noscript><iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-5GW3GJ9" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe></noscript>  <div class="body-wrapper hs-content-id-45887872780 hs-blog-post hs-blog-id-24765659131"> <div data-global-resource-path="SPT-Labtech-2021/SPT-Labtech-Theme-2021/templates/partials/header.html"> <header class="header"> <div class="container"> <a class="logo" href="/"> <img src="//www.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/SPT-Labtech-2021/SPT-Labtech-Theme-2021/images/logo.svg" alt="SPT Labtech"> </a> <div class="nav-outer"> <a href="javascript:void(0)" class="menuImage"> <span class="line1"></span> <span class="line2"></span> <span class="line3"></span> </a> <style> .srch-btn{position:absolute;right:1px;top:1px;background:url(//www.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/SPT-Labtech-2021/SPT-Labtech-Theme-2021/images/search-icon.svg) no-repeat center center;border:none;outline:none;cursor:pointer;font-size:0;width:40px;z-index:1;bottom:1px} </style>  <div class="menu iphonNav"> <ul class="nav-lt"> <li class="sub-menu"> <a href="javascript:void(0);">Applications</a> <ul class="applications sub-nav-outer"> <li class="nav1"> <span class="nav-hd"> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/applications/genomics"> Genomics </a> </span> <ul> <li class="nav1-inr"> <div class="cmn-nav"> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/applications/single-cell-genomics"> Single Cell </a> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/applications/genomics/pcr-qpcr"> PCR and qPCR </a> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/applications/genomics/automated-ngs-library-preparation"> NGS Library Preparation </a> <a href="/applications/genomics#synthetic-biology"> Synthetic Biology </a> <a href="/applications/genomics#transcriptomics"> Transcriptomics </a> <a href="/applications/genomics#pathogen-surveillance"> Pathogen Surveillance </a> <a href="/applications/genomics#microbiome-metagenomics"> Microbiome & Metagenomics </a> </div> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav1"> <span class="nav-hd"> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/applications/drug-discovery"> Drug Discovery </a> </span> <ul> <li class="nav1-inr"> <div class="cmn-nav"> <a href="/applications/drug-discovery#assay-development"> Automated Assay Development </a> <a href="/applications/drug-discovery#assay-setup"> Assay Setup </a> <a href="/applications/drug-discovery/3d-cells"> 3D Cell Culture </a> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/applications/medicinal-chemistry"> Medicinal Chemistry </a> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/applications/drug-discovery/chemical-crystallization"> Chemical Crystallization </a> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/applications/proteomics"> Proteomics </a> <a href="/applications/drug-discovery#functional-genomics"> Functional Genomics </a> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/applications/design-of-experiments-doe"> Design of Experiments (DOE) </a> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/applications/dna-encoded-library-del-screening"> DNA-Encoded Library (DEL) Screening </a> </div> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav1"> <span class="nav-hd"> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/applications/structural-biology"> Structural Biology </a> </span> <ul> <li class="nav1-inr"> <div class="cmn-nav"> <a href="/applications/structural-biology/cryo-em"> Cryo-EM </a> <a href="/applications/structural-biology#electron-microscopy"> Electron Microscopy </a> <a href="/applications/structural-biology#protein-crystallography"> Protein Crystallography </a> </div> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav1"> <span class="nav-hd"> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/applications/sample-management"> Sample Management </a> </span> <ul> <li class="nav1-inr"> <div class="cmn-nav"> <a href="/applications/sample-management#tube-sorting"> Tube Processing </a> <a href="/applications/sample-management#compound-management"> Compound Management </a> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/applications/sample-management/automated-biobanking"> Automated Biobanking </a> </div> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="sub-menu"> <a href="javascript:void(0);">Products</a> <ul class="products sub-nav-outer"> <div class="top-hd"> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/products">Find a product that fits your needs <img src="//www.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/SPT-Labtech-2021/SPT-Labtech-Theme-2021/images/rt-arw3.svg" alt=""></a></div> <li class="nav2 wd1"> <span class="nav-heading nav-heading-with-link"> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/liquid-handling"> Liquid Handling </a> </span> <ul> <li class="nav2-inr"> <a class="cmn-nav2" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/products/firefly" style="color:inherit"> <span class="nav-hd2">firefly</span> <span class="nav-desc">Accelerate genomic research with innovative all-in-one, compact liquid handling</span> </a> </li> <li class="nav2-inr"> <a class="cmn-nav2" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/products/mosquito" style="color:inherit"> <span class="nav-hd2">mosquito</span> <span class="nav-desc">Nanolitre liquid handling technology performs ‘traditional’ tasks at a fraction of the volume, and higher speeds</span> </a> </li> <li class="nav2-inr"> <a class="cmn-nav2" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/products/dragonfly" style="color:inherit"> <span class="nav-hd2">dragonfly</span> <span class="nav-desc">Delivers accurate and repeatable nanolitre to milliliter dispensing</span> </a> </li> <li class="nav2-inr"> <a class="cmn-nav2" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/products/apricot" style="color:inherit"> <span class="nav-hd2">apricot</span> <span class="nav-desc">Automated liquid handling instrumentation for convenient general use across your entire team</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav2 wd2"> <span class="nav-heading nav-heading-with-link"> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/sample-preparation"> Sample Preparation </a> </span> <ul> <li class="nav2-inr"> <a class="cmn-nav2" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/products/chameleon" style="color:inherit"> <span class="nav-hd2">chameleon</span> <span class="nav-desc">Automated consistent application of samples to high-quality foil grids for cryo-EM</span> </a> </li> <li class="nav2-inr"> <a class="cmn-nav2" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/products/quantifoil" style="color:inherit"> <span class="nav-hd2">Quantifoil</span> <span class="nav-desc">Market-leading sample supports enable cryo-EM researchers to optimize data quality</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="nav2 wd1"> <span class="nav-heading nav-heading-with-link"> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/sample-management"> Sample Management </a> </span> <ul> <li class="nav2-inr"> <a class="cmn-nav2" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/products/compound" style="color:inherit"> <span class="nav-hd2">comPOUND</span> <span class="nav-desc">A scalable, reliable, and secure compound management solution</span> </a> </li> <li class="nav2-inr"> <a class="cmn-nav2" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/products/biomicrolab" style="color:inherit"> <span class="nav-hd2">BioMicroLab</span> <span class="nav-desc">Easy-to-use sample management automation instruments</span> </a> </li> <li class="nav2-inr"> <a class="cmn-nav2" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/products/arktic" style="color:inherit"> <span class="nav-hd2">arktic</span> <span class="nav-desc">Robust biospecimen storage and management down to -80°C</span> </a> </li> <li class="nav2-inr"> <a class="cmn-nav2" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/products/lab2lab" style="color:inherit"> <span class="nav-hd2">lab2lab</span> <span class="nav-desc">Novel sample and data transfer network system</span> </a> </li> <li class="nav2-inr"> <a class="cmn-nav2" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/products/compact" style="color:inherit"> <span class="nav-hd2">comPACT</span> <span class="nav-desc">Reliable and efficient -20°C storage and retrieval has never been more accessible</span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="sub-menu"> <a href="javascript:void(0);">About</a> <ul class="about sub-nav-outer"> <li class="nav3"> <a class="abt-link1" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/company"> <span class="nav-hd3">Company</span> <span class="nav-desc3">With a focus on liquid handling, sample preparation and sample management, our expert teams create state-of-the-art solutions that scientists and researchers can trust</span> </a> <a class="abt-link1" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/culture"> <span class="nav-hd3">Culture</span> <span class="nav-desc3">We have one overarching mission: to work together to accelerate life science research. Through our innovative solutions and state-of-the-art tools, we believe we can make a real difference to human health</span> </a> <a class="abt-link1" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/spt-partners"> <span class="nav-hd3">Partners</span> <span class="nav-desc3">Collaboration is key in our mission to make a real difference to human health. Partnering with application leaders globally, we co-create to solve new challenges across the life sciences.</span> </a> <a class="abt-link1" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/innovation"> <span class="nav-hd3">Innovation</span> <span class="nav-desc3">From the initial prototype through to manufacturing, installation and beyond, we bring a problem-solving mindset and technical expertise to drive innovation</span> </a> </li> <li class="nav4"> <a class="link1" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/executive-leadership"> <span class="nav-hd3">Executive Leadership</span> <span class="img-block"> <img src="https://www.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/C%20Suite%20Leadership.jpg" alt="C Suite Leadership" loading="lazy"> </span> <span class="nav-hd4"></span> <span class="nav-desc3">Through strategic guidance, visionary thinking, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, our senior executives steer SPT Labtech towards achieving its mission of making a real difference to human health through solving advanced laboratory challenges.</span> <span class="link1">Learn more <img src="//www.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/SPT-Labtech-2021/SPT-Labtech-Theme-2021/images/arw-rt.png" alt=""></span> </a> </li> <li class="nav4"> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/innovation" class="link2"> View all<img src="//www.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/SPT-Labtech-2021/SPT-Labtech-Theme-2021/images/arw-rt.png" alt=""> </a> <a class="link1" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/board-of-directors"> <span class="nav-hd3">Board of Directors</span> <span class="img-block"> <img src="https://www.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/Board%20Members.jpg" alt="Board Members" loading="lazy"> </span> <span class="nav-hd4"></span> <span class="nav-desc3">Our Board of Directors are committed to driving the long-term success and sustainability of SPT Labtech, providing expert guidance and oversight to execute the company’s ambitious commercial strategy.</span> <span class="link1">Learn more <img src="//www.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/SPT-Labtech-2021/SPT-Labtech-Theme-2021/images/arw-rt.png" alt=""></span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class="sub-menu"> <a href="javascript:void(0);">Knowledge Base</a> <ul class="knowledge-base sub-nav-outer"> <li class="nav5"> <a href="/resources" class="abt-link1"> <span class="nav-hd3">Resources</span> <span class="nav-desc3">Our wide range of insightful resources include videos, whitepapers, eBooks, application notes and more</span> </a> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/events" class="abt-link1"> <span class="nav-hd3">Events & Webinars</span> <span class="nav-desc3">Meet the SPT team at events all over the globe and virtually via our webinars</span> </a> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/labtechunplugged" class="abt-link1"> <span class="nav-hd3">Podcast</span> <span class="nav-desc3">We chat with innovators and leaders from across the community to gain their unique insights.</span> </a> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/news" class="abt-link1"> <span class="nav-hd3">News</span> <span class="nav-desc3">Latest news from SPT Labtech globally</span> </a> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/blog" class="abt-link1"> <span class="nav-hd3">Blog</span> <span class="nav-desc3">Our latest blog posts feature trends in research, innovative techniques and new technology</span> </a> </li> <p class="blogCount d-none"> 10 </p> <li class="nav6"> <a class="link1" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/blog/enhancing-usability-and-compliance-firefly"> <span class="date-block">31 October, 2024</span> <span class="img-block"> <img src="https://6586853.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/6586853/hubfs/firefly%20software%20thumbnail.png?length=320&name=firefly%20software%20thumbnail.png" alt=""> </span> <span class="nav-desc3"> Enhancing usability and compliance: Latest updates to firefly® liquid handling software </span> <span class="link1" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/blog/enhancing-usability-and-compliance-firefly">Continue reading <img src="//www.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/SPT-Labtech-2021/SPT-Labtech-Theme-2021/images/arw-rt.png" alt=""></span> </a> </li> <li class="nav6"> <a class="link1" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/news/spt-labtech-and-ice-bioscience-launch-joint-automated-laboratory"> <span class="date-block">29 October, 2024</span> <span class="img-block"> <img src="https://6586853.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/6586853/hubfs/5-1.jpg?length=320&name=5-1.jpg" alt=""> </span> <span class="nav-desc3"> SPT Labtech and ICE Bioscience Launch Joint Automated Laboratory in China for Intelligent Drug Screening </span> <span class="link1" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/news/spt-labtech-and-ice-bioscience-launch-joint-automated-laboratory">Continue reading <img src="//www.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/SPT-Labtech-2021/SPT-Labtech-Theme-2021/images/arw-rt.png" alt=""></span> </a> </li> <li class="nav6"> <a class="link1" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/news/spt-labtech-and-synthace-deliver-accessible-drug-discovery"> <span class="date-block">05 September, 2024</span> <span class="img-block"> <img src="https://6586853.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hub/6586853/hubfs/dragonfly%20discovery%20and%20DOE.png?length=320&name=dragonfly%20discovery%20and%20DOE.png" alt="SPT Labtech and Synthace partner to accelerate drug discovery through accessible DOE"> </span> <span class="nav-desc3"> SPT Labtech and Synthace partner to accelerate drug discovery through accessible DOE </span> <span class="link1" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/news/spt-labtech-and-synthace-deliver-accessible-drug-discovery">Continue reading <img src="//www.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/SPT-Labtech-2021/SPT-Labtech-Theme-2021/images/arw-rt.png" alt=""></span> </a> </li> </ul> </li> <li class=""> <a href="https://apply.workable.com/spt-labtech/">Careers</a> </li> </ul> <ul class="nav-rt"> <li class="sub-menu"> <a href="javascript:void(0);">Support</a> <ul class="applications sub-nav-outer smaller-submenu"> <li class="nav1"> <span class="nav-hd"> Support </span> <ul> <li class="nav1-inr"> <div class="cmn-nav"> <a class="cmn-nav2" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/reliance"> <span class="nav-hd2">reliance</span> <span class="nav-desc">Our reliance service provides access to a dedicated support team to safeguard your investment and secure your productivity.</span> </a> <a class="cmn-nav2" href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/product-help-center"> <span class="nav-hd2">Product Help Center</span> <span class="nav-desc">Our brand new Product Help Center is your one-stop resource for manuals, guides, and videos.</span> </a> </div> </li> </ul> </li> </ul> </li> <li class=""> <a href="https://store.sptlabtech.com/">Shop </a> </li> <li class="book-btn"><span id="hs_cos_wrapper_module_16240008250073_" class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_widget hs_cos_wrapper_type_cta" style="" data-hs-cos-general-type="widget" data-hs-cos-type="cta"><span class="hs-cta-wrapper" id="hs-cta-wrapper-6a6c36c6-cfe0-4de5-ba19-c9d6334747be"><span class="hs-cta-node hs-cta-6a6c36c6-cfe0-4de5-ba19-c9d6334747be" id="hs-cta-6a6c36c6-cfe0-4de5-ba19-c9d6334747be"><a href="https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/6586853/6a6c36c6-cfe0-4de5-ba19-c9d6334747be"><img class="hs-cta-img" id="hs-cta-img-6a6c36c6-cfe0-4de5-ba19-c9d6334747be" style="border-width:0px;" src="https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/6586853/6a6c36c6-cfe0-4de5-ba19-c9d6334747be.png" alt="Product inquiry"></a></span><script charset="utf-8" src="/hs/cta/cta/current.js"></script><script type="text/javascript"> hbspt.cta._relativeUrls=true;hbspt.cta.load(6586853, '6a6c36c6-cfe0-4de5-ba19-c9d6334747be', {"useNewLoader":"true","region":"na1"}); </script></span></span></li> </ul> </div>  <div class="srch-block"> <a class="srch-icon" href="javascript:void(0);"><img src="//www.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/SPT-Labtech-2021/SPT-Labtech-Theme-2021/images/search-icon.svg" alt=""></a> <div class="seach-box"> <div id="hs_cos_wrapper_search_input" class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_widget hs_cos_wrapper_type_module" style="" data-hs-cos-general-type="widget" data-hs-cos-type="module"> <div class="hs-search-field"> <div class="hs-search-field__bar"> <form data-hs-do-not-collect="true" action="/hs-search-results"> <input type="text" class="hs-search-field__input" name="term" autocomplete="off" aria-label="Search" placeholder="Search"> <input type="hidden" name="type" value="SITE_PAGE"> <input type="hidden" name="type" value="BLOG_POST"> <input type="hidden" name="type" value="LISTING_PAGE"> </form> </div> <ul class="hs-search-field__suggestions"></ul> </div></div>  <div id="hs_cos_wrapper_search_results" class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_widget hs_cos_wrapper_type_module" style="" data-hs-cos-general-type="widget" data-hs-cos-type="module"><div class="hs-search-results"> <template class="hs-search-results__template"> <li> <a href="#" class="hs-search-results__title">Content Title</a> <p class="hs-search-results__description">Description</p> </li> </template> <ul id="hsresults" class="hs-search-results__listing"></ul> <div class="hs-search-results__pagination" data-search-path="/blog/sample-prep-series-part-1-preparing-your-sample-for-vitrification"> <a href="" class="hs-search-results__prev-page"></a> <a href="" class="hs-search-results__next-page"></a> </div> </div></div>  </div> </div> </div> </div> </header> </div> <div id="hs_cos_wrapper_module_16255756749773" class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_widget hs_cos_wrapper_type_module" style="" data-hs-cos-general-type="widget" data-hs-cos-type="module"> <div class="blog-article-banner" id="blog-article-banner" style="background-image:url('https://www.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/Campaigns/Structural-Biology/SB004%20-%20Sample%20prep%20blog%20series/sample-prep-series-part-3-next-generation-sample-preparation-feature-image.jpg')"> <div class="container"> <div class="breadcrumb-container"> <ol class="breadcrumb custom-breadcrumb"> <li class="breadcrumb-item"><a href="/">Home</a></li> <li class="breadcrumb-item"><a href="/blog">Blog</a></li> <li class="breadcrumb-item active"><span id="hs_cos_wrapper_name" class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_text" style="" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="text">Sample Prep Series Part 1: Preparing your sample for vitrification</span></li> </ol> </div> </div> <div class="container"> <div class="flex"> <div class="application-bnr-text medium"> <div class="text-block"> <h1>Sample Prep Series Part 1: Preparing your sample for vitrification</h1> <p>28/04/2021</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="blog-article-bnr-btm d-flex justify-content-between align-items-center"> <div class="blog-topic-btn"> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/blog/tag/structural-biology" class="topic-btn">Structural Biology</a> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/blog/tag/cryo-em-sample-preparation" class="topic-btn">Cryo-EM Sample Preparation</a> </div> <div class="blog-article-bnr-links d-flex align-items-center"> <span>Share this blog</span> <ul class="d-flex align-items-center"> <li><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.sptlabtech.com/blog/sample-prep-series-part-1-preparing-your-sample-for-vitrification" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="//www.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/SPT-Labtech-2021/SPT-Labtech-Theme-2021/images/linkedin-white.svg" alt=""></a></li> <li><a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=I+found+this+interesting+blog+post&url=https://www.sptlabtech.com/blog/sample-prep-series-part-1-preparing-your-sample-for-vitrification" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="//www.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/SPT-Labtech-2021/SPT-Labtech-Theme-2021/images/twitter-white.svg" alt=""></a></li> <li><a href="http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.sptlabtech.com/blog/sample-prep-series-part-1-preparing-your-sample-for-vitrification" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="//www.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/SPT-Labtech-2021/SPT-Labtech-Theme-2021/images/facebook-white.svg" alt=""></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/?url=https://www.sptlabtech.com/blog/sample-prep-series-part-1-preparing-your-sample-for-vitrification" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><img src="//www.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/SPT-Labtech-2021/SPT-Labtech-Theme-2021/images/instagram-white.svg" alt=""></a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div>  <style> .blog-article-banner::tehor_attributes.position ? module.background_gradient_before_effect.color_attributes.position:'0'}}%, rgba(159, 53, 137,1.0) 40%, rgba(74, 84, 157,1.0) 60%, rgba(0, 159, 168,1.0) 100%);position: absolute;left: 0;right: 0;top: 0;bottom: 0;display: block;content: "";opacity: 0.9;} .blog-article-banner::after {background: linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(8, 8, 8,0.2) 27%, rgba(62, 40, 77,0.65) 100%);position: absolute;left: 0;right: 0;top: 0;bottom: 0;display: block;content: "";opacity:0.2;} </style></div> <br> <div> <div class="container"> <div id="hs_cos_wrapper_blog_post_audio" class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_widget hs_cos_wrapper_type_module" style="" data-hs-cos-general-type="widget" data-hs-cos-type="module"><link rel="stylesheet" href="https://39666904.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/39666904/raw_assets/media-default-modules/master/406/js_client_assets/assets/TrackPlayAnalytics-Cm48oVxd.css"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="https://39666904.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/39666904/raw_assets/media-default-modules/master/406/js_client_assets/assets/Tooltip-DkS5dgLo.css"> <script type="text/javascript"> window.__hsEnvConfig = {"portalID":6586853,"hublet":"na1","hsEnv":"prod","hsDeployed":true,"hsJSRGates":["CMS:JSRenderer:SeparateIslandRenderOption","CMS:JSRenderer:GraphQLQueryBuild","CMS:JSRenderer:MinifyCSS","CMS:JSRenderer:GetServerSideProps","Jsr:DeployLambdasViaCommonAwsAccount","CMS:JSRenderer:LocalProxySchemaVersion1","CMS:JSRenderer:SharedDeps"]}; window.__hsServerPageUrl = "https:\u002F\u002Fwww.sptlabtech.com\u002Fblog\u002Fsample-prep-series-part-1-preparing-your-sample-for-vitrification"; window.__hsBasePath = "\u002Fblog\u002Fsample-prep-series-part-1-preparing-your-sample-for-vitrification"; </script> </div> <div class="blog-article-sec1 bullet-list-points" style="padding-bottom: 20px;"> <span id="hs_cos_wrapper_post_body" class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_meta_field hs_cos_wrapper_type_rich_text" style="" data-hs-cos-general-type="meta_field" data-hs-cos-type="rich_text"><p><span>Sample preservation in vitrified ice (vitrification) is widely acknowledged as the first step in the cryogenic electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) workflow. However, prior to sample preparation researchers must consider the sample quality and determine its suitability for high resolution structure determination. A good understanding of these key considerations along with the right instrumentation is vital to beginning any Cryo-EM project and its subsequent success.</span></p>  <h2>Protein Purification</h2> <p><span>Before pursuing a cryo-EM structure it must be determined that the sample purity is high (>99%, a single band in SDS-PAGE gel), monodisperse in solution and homogeneous in nature (single peak in SEC profile). Particle heterogeneity, both compositional and conformational can lead to difficulty in producing particle image “classes” necessary for building 3D reconstructions from the 2D data. This loss of information limits the quality of the resulting 3D maps and therefore the answerable biological questions. </span></p> <p><span>The biological specimen of interest should remain active in a suitable buffer with optimized conditions. When necessary or after storage, functional assays to determine protein activity and thermostability can be utilized. Vitrification requires low volumes of several microliters and depending on the sample, concentrations from 50nM to 5µM.</span></p> <p><span>With advancements in software and data analysis the single particle workflow can deal with partial heterogeneity and some sample impurity. However, obtaining a solution of isolated homogeneous particles of interest is the best guarantee of a successful high-resolution structure.</span></p> <h2>Assessment of Sample Quality</h2> <p><img src="https://www.sptlabtech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Campaigns/Structural-Biology/SB004%20-%20Sample%20prep%20blog%20series/EM%20images%20of%20negatively%20stained%20protein%20samples%20-%20blog%201.png?width=440&name=EM%20images%20of%20negatively%20stained%20protein%20samples%20-%20blog%201.png" alt="EM images of negatively stained protein samples - blog 1" width="440" loading="lazy" style="width: 440px; float: left; margin: 0px 30px 0px 0px;" srcset="https://www.sptlabtech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Campaigns/Structural-Biology/SB004%20-%20Sample%20prep%20blog%20series/EM%20images%20of%20negatively%20stained%20protein%20samples%20-%20blog%201.png?width=220&name=EM%20images%20of%20negatively%20stained%20protein%20samples%20-%20blog%201.png 220w, https://www.sptlabtech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Campaigns/Structural-Biology/SB004%20-%20Sample%20prep%20blog%20series/EM%20images%20of%20negatively%20stained%20protein%20samples%20-%20blog%201.png?width=440&name=EM%20images%20of%20negatively%20stained%20protein%20samples%20-%20blog%201.png 440w, https://www.sptlabtech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Campaigns/Structural-Biology/SB004%20-%20Sample%20prep%20blog%20series/EM%20images%20of%20negatively%20stained%20protein%20samples%20-%20blog%201.png?width=660&name=EM%20images%20of%20negatively%20stained%20protein%20samples%20-%20blog%201.png 660w, https://www.sptlabtech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Campaigns/Structural-Biology/SB004%20-%20Sample%20prep%20blog%20series/EM%20images%20of%20negatively%20stained%20protein%20samples%20-%20blog%201.png?width=880&name=EM%20images%20of%20negatively%20stained%20protein%20samples%20-%20blog%201.png 880w, https://www.sptlabtech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Campaigns/Structural-Biology/SB004%20-%20Sample%20prep%20blog%20series/EM%20images%20of%20negatively%20stained%20protein%20samples%20-%20blog%201.png?width=1100&name=EM%20images%20of%20negatively%20stained%20protein%20samples%20-%20blog%201.png 1100w, https://www.sptlabtech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Campaigns/Structural-Biology/SB004%20-%20Sample%20prep%20blog%20series/EM%20images%20of%20negatively%20stained%20protein%20samples%20-%20blog%201.png?width=1320&name=EM%20images%20of%20negatively%20stained%20protein%20samples%20-%20blog%201.png 1320w" sizes="(max-width: 440px) 100vw, 440px"><em>Examples of EM Images of negatively stained protein samples. A) Horse spleen ferritin, B) fragment of antigen binding (Fab), C) archeal 20S proteasome and D) nucleosome. All images at same magnification. The scale bar is 20nm.</em></p> <p>It is good practice to assess sample quality and homogeneity prior to vitrification. In addition to biophysical methods like SDS-PAGE, SEC and dynamic light scattering (DLS), the determination of sample homogeneity is routinely accomplished visually using negative stain transmission electron microscopy (nsTEM). This allows the qualitative examination of the particle concentration, composition, and conformational state by fixing the sample solution with stain (e.g., uranyl formate) to a carbon support film on an EM grid. These negatively stained specimens can then be loaded one at a time and examined in simple to use side-entry holder microscopes widely available in EM core laboratories. However, training is required to identify particles of interest and the conditions for “good” and “bad” staining. The time required to perform this analysis is minimal and it provides insight into the specimen quality on the microscopic scale. </p> <h2> </h2> <h2>Instrumentation</h2> <p><span>The instruments and supplies needed for these methods are readily available in most biochemistry labs and EM core facilities. It is always recommended to optimize sample quality to as high a degree as possible prior to vitrification. Having access to EM specimen prep and analysis nearby to biochemical workflows makes this faster and easier to achieve.</span></p> <p><span><img src="https://www.sptlabtech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cryo-EM%20cycle.png?width=800&name=cryo-EM%20cycle.png" alt="cryo-EM cycle" width="800" loading="lazy" style="width: 800px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;" srcset="https://www.sptlabtech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cryo-EM%20cycle.png?width=400&name=cryo-EM%20cycle.png 400w, https://www.sptlabtech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cryo-EM%20cycle.png?width=800&name=cryo-EM%20cycle.png 800w, https://www.sptlabtech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cryo-EM%20cycle.png?width=1200&name=cryo-EM%20cycle.png 1200w, https://www.sptlabtech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cryo-EM%20cycle.png?width=1600&name=cryo-EM%20cycle.png 1600w, https://www.sptlabtech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cryo-EM%20cycle.png?width=2000&name=cryo-EM%20cycle.png 2000w, https://www.sptlabtech.com/hs-fs/hubfs/cryo-EM%20cycle.png?width=2400&name=cryo-EM%20cycle.png 2400w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"></span></p> <div><br> <p><span>Once biochemical readiness has been determined the sample optimization for plunge freezing can begin. In the next post we will look at the considerations and methods for optimizing samples for conventional sample vitrification for cryo-EM.</span></p> <p> </p> <p></p><div class="hs-web-interactive-inline" style="" data-hubspot-wrapper-cta-id="168286873404"> <style data-hubspot-cta-style="hs-inline-web-interactive-168286873404"> a.hs-inline-web-interactive-168286873404 { -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased !important;cursor: pointer !important;-moz-user-select: none !important;-webkit-user-select: none !important;-o-user-select: none !important;user-select: none !important;display: inline-block !important;font-weight: normal !important;text-align: center !important;text-decoration: none !important;-moz-transition: all .4s ease !important;-webkit-transition: all .4s ease !important;-o-transition: all .4s ease !important;background: rgb(212,15,125) !important;border-radius: 6px !important;border-width: 0px !important;color: rgb(255,255,255) !important;font-family: sans-serif !important;height: auto !important;transition: all .4s ease !important;padding: 6px 18px !important;text-shadow: none !important;width: auto !important;font-size: 24px !important;line-height: 1.5em !important; } a.hs-inline-web-interactive-168286873404:hover { background: rgb(233,16,137) !important;color: rgb(255,255,255) !important; } a.hs-inline-web-interactive-168286873404:active { background: rgb(169,12,100) !important;color: rgb(244,244,244) !important; } a.hs-inline-web-interactive-168286873404:active:hover { background: rgb(169,12,100) !important;color: rgb(244,244,244) !important; } </style> <span class="hs-cta-wrapper hs-web-interactive-wrapper"><span class="hs-cta-node hs-web-interactive-node"> <a href="https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLJLyxaTKF39OlicK%2F61LbuAlJH8p%2Bp7YXtLZCJXJxIzoNfpUoEIv3b1YixQ78y61UKzSvgWuvnx%2Bacm09NBpG29utHL7dBR4Qj3CmAnBdJM54UsxAWZXnR1rfzh5bKDdKYZMK0sorVnatfKmrwX5VAQxpN8i8DZtFwpwx5%2FzcoULT2%2FPnD5JFk7u8NTTb45BqlHZzB4Y11m55EemT8DmOwBjMwP4Eb%2F5f49n39%2FxHmIneb0jP7AojTOX4OzxJ1CmiOu2pjwe6677UMa&portalId=6586853" class="hs-inline-web-interactive-168286873404 " data-hubspot-cta-id="168286873404"> > Next in the series  </a> </span></span> </div><p></p> <p> </p> <p></p><div class="hs-web-interactive-inline" style="" data-hubspot-wrapper-cta-id="168285433957"> <style data-hubspot-cta-style="hs-inline-web-interactive-168285433957"> a.hs-inline-web-interactive-168285433957 { -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased !important;cursor: pointer !important;-moz-user-select: none !important;-webkit-user-select: none !important;-o-user-select: none !important;user-select: none !important;display: inline-block !important;font-weight: normal !important;text-align: center !important;text-decoration: none !important;-moz-transition: all .4s ease !important;-webkit-transition: all .4s ease !important;-o-transition: all .4s ease !important;background: rgb(212,15,125) !important;border-radius: 6px !important;border-width: 0px !important;color: rgb(255,255,255) !important;font-family: sans-serif !important;height: auto !important;transition: all .4s ease !important;padding: 6px 18px !important;text-shadow: none !important;width: auto !important;font-size: 24px !important;line-height: 1.5em !important; } a.hs-inline-web-interactive-168285433957:hover { background: rgb(233,16,137) !important;color: rgb(255,255,255) !important; } a.hs-inline-web-interactive-168285433957:active { background: rgb(169,12,100) !important;color: rgb(244,244,244) !important; } a.hs-inline-web-interactive-168285433957:active:hover { background: rgb(169,12,100) !important;color: rgb(244,244,244) !important; } </style> <span class="hs-cta-wrapper hs-web-interactive-wrapper"><span class="hs-cta-node hs-web-interactive-node"> <a href="https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLK8ncmAkzU3rdxp2rSGOqc8hxAdBXsFk5F5DwICWjujr%2BbtbxPF1sU8QTQRrRAODS%2FUNWJ4Uwgk4vxOsBS%2Bvzwmw1jua9XPseGm1tQINJnmcGmNJHO8O4jIm7cA%2BeVS%2B3rNNvm8FlLOWEHhBL3E%2B3LCN%2FWsGchGXk3PTXDlJy%2FyvD74azqODTLewJ93m1fAsWdGYzBDebor4gJkOLRLQMLD1GNzN%2FIc2Ak7%2BrA5oSYE2KBf61EdejjhhFimSGmtIM4om8waVeXaWwk%3D&portalId=6586853" class="hs-inline-web-interactive-168285433957 " data-hubspot-cta-id="168285433957"> Download the full series </a> </span></span> </div><p></p> <p> </p> <h3>Reference List</h3> <p style="font-size: 12px;">D.S. Booth, A. Avila-Sakar, Y. Cheng, Visualizing proteins and macromolecular complexes by negative stain EM: from grid preparation to image acquisition doi: 10.3791/3227 Published: December 22, 2011<br>B. Carragher, Y. Cheng, A. Frost, R.M. Glaeser, G.C. Lander, E. Nogales, H.-W. Wang, Current outcomes when optimizing ‘standard’ sample preparation for single-particle cryo-EM doi:10.1111/jmi.12834 Published: September 19, 2019<br>M.A. Cianfrocco, E.H. Kellogg, What could go wrong? A practical guide to single-particle cryo-EM: From biochemistry to atomic models doi: 10.1021/acs.jcim.9b01178 Published: February 20, 2020<br>R.M. Glaeser, B.-G. Han Opinion: hazards face by macromolecules when confined to thin aqueous films doi: 10.1007/s41048-016-0026-3 Published: July 25, 2017<br>R.A. Grassucci, D.J. Taylor, J. Frank Preparation of macromolecular complexes for cryo-electron microscopy doi: 10.1038/nprot.2007.452 Published: December 13, 2007<br>A.J. Noble et. al Routine single particle cryoEM sample and grid characterization by tomography doi: 10.7554/eLife.34257 Published: May 29, 2018<br>L.A. Passmore, C.J. Russo Specimen preparation for high-resolution cryo-EM doi: 10.1016/bs.mie.2016.04.011 Published: June 16, 2016<br>G. Skiniotis, D. Southworth, Single-particle cryo-electron microscopy of macromolecular complexes doi: 10.1093/jmicro/dfv366 Published: October 27, 2015<br>K.A. Taylor, R.M. Glaeser Retrospective on the early development of cryoelectron microscopy of macromolecules and a prospective on opportunities for the future doi: 10.1016/j.jsb.2008.06.004 Published: June 18, 2008</p> <p style="font-size: 12px;"> </p> </div></span> </div> </div> </div> <div data-global-resource-path="SPT-Labtech-2021/SPT-Labtech-Theme-2021/templates/partials/footer.html"><footer class="footer"> <div class="container"> <div class="container-fluid footer-inr"> <div class="row-fluid-wrapper"> <div class="row-fluid"> <div class="span12 widget-span widget-type-cell " style="" data-widget-type="cell" data-x="0" data-w="12"> <div class="row-fluid-wrapper row-depth-1 row-number-1 dnd-section"> <div class="row-fluid "> <div class="span12 widget-span widget-type-cell dnd-column" style="" data-widget-type="cell" data-x="0" data-w="12"> <div class="row-fluid-wrapper row-depth-1 row-number-2 dnd-row"> <div class="row-fluid "> <div class="span12 widget-span widget-type-custom_widget dnd-module" style="" data-widget-type="custom_widget" data-x="0" data-w="12"> <div id="hs_cos_wrapper_widget_1727255406258" class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_widget hs_cos_wrapper_type_module" style="" data-hs-cos-general-type="widget" data-hs-cos-type="module"><footer class="footer"> <div class="footer-top"> <img src="https://www.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/Admin/Logos/SPT%20Labtech%20Logo.png" alt="Logo" class="footer-logo"> </div> <div class="footer-line"></div> <div class="footer-nav"> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/products">Products</a> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/company">Company</a> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/culture">Culture</a> <a href="https://apply.workable.com/spt-labtech/">Careers</a> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/resources">Resources</a> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/product-inquiry">Contact</a> <a href="https://store.sptlabtech.com/">Shop</a> </div> <div class="footer-line"></div> <div class="footer-bottom"> <div class="column column-left"> <p style="font-size: 20px;"><strong>Subscribe to get our latest update</strong></p> <button class="subscribe-button" id="subscribeButton">Subscribe</button> </div> <div class="column column-right"> <p style="font-size: 20px;"> <strong>Follow Us</strong></p> <div class="social-icons"> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com" target="_blank"> <img src="https://www.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/Quantifoil%20Website/Admin%20only/Logos/Teal%20LinkedIn%20Logo%20Icon%20PNG.png.png" alt="LinkedIn"> </a> <a href="https://www.twitter.com" target="_blank"> <img src="https://www.sptlabtech.com/hubfs/Twitter%20-%20X%20New%20logo.png" alt="X"> </a> </div> </div> </div> <div class="footer-final"> <div> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/privacy">Privacy Policy</a> <a href="https://www.sptlabtech.com/legal">Legal</a> </div> <div class="footer-date"> <p>© 2024 SPT Labtech Ltd</p> </div> </div> </footer>  <div id="popupForm" class="popup"> <div class="popup-content"> <span class="close-btn" id="closePopup"></span>  <span id="hs_cos_wrapper_widget_1727255406258_" class="hs_cos_wrapper hs_cos_wrapper_widget hs_cos_wrapper_type_form" style="" data-hs-cos-general-type="widget" data-hs-cos-type="form"><h3 id="hs_cos_wrapper_form_441508879_title" class="hs_cos_wrapper form-title" data-hs-cos-general-type="widget_field" data-hs-cos-type="text"></h3> <div id="hs_form_target_form_441508879"></div> </span> </div> </div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </footer></div>  <script defer src="/hs/hsstatic/content-cwv-embed/static-1.1293/embed.js"></script> <script src="https://www.sptlabtech.com/hs-fs/hub/6586853/hub_generated/template_assets/85829631861/1690760505242/SPT-Labtech-2021/SPT-Labtech-Theme-2021/js/compiled.min.js"></script> <script> var hsVars = hsVars || {}; hsVars['language'] = 'en-gb'; </script> <script src="/hs/hsstatic/cos-i18n/static-1.53/bundles/project.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/-1/hub_generated/module_assets/-2712622/1731959281120/module_-2712622_Site_Search_Input.min.js"></script> <script src="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/-1/hub_generated/module_assets/-2712624/1731959283748/module_-2712624_Site_Search_Results.min.js"></script> <script src="https://www.sptlabtech.com/hs-fs/hub/6586853/hub_generated/module_assets/178599170471/1727256233458/module_178599170471_NEW_Global_Footer.min.js"></script>  <script data-hs-allowed="true" src="/_hcms/forms/v2.js"></script> <script data-hs-allowed="true"> var options = { portalId: '6586853', formId: '5b4046a5-3ae9-41a7-983d-d70e4888a4ed', formInstanceId: '6327', pageId: '45887872780', region: 'na1', pageName: "Sample Prep Series Part 1: Preparing your sample for vitrification", inlineMessage: "Thanks for submitting the form.", rawInlineMessage: "Thanks for submitting the form.", hsFormKey: "5d7994b2bb85955e6945673b867a28c9", css: '', target: '#hs_form_target_form_441508879', contentType: "blog-post", formsBaseUrl: '/_hcms/forms/', formData: { cssClass: 'hs-form stacked hs-custom-form' } }; options.getExtraMetaDataBeforeSubmit = function() { var metadata = {}; if (hbspt.targetedContentMetadata) { var count = hbspt.targetedContentMetadata.length; var targetedContentData = []; for (var i = 0; i < count; i++) { var tc = hbspt.targetedContentMetadata[i]; if ( tc.length !== 3) { continue; } targetedContentData.push({ definitionId: tc[0], criterionId: tc[1], smartTypeId: tc[2] }); } metadata["targetedContentMetadata"] = JSON.stringify(targetedContentData); } return metadata; }; hbspt.forms.create(options); </script>  <script type="text/javascript"> var _hsq = _hsq || []; _hsq.push(["setContentType", "blog-post"]); _hsq.push(["setCanonicalUrl", "https:\/\/www.sptlabtech.com\/blog\/sample-prep-series-part-1-preparing-your-sample-for-vitrification"]); _hsq.push(["setPageId", "45887872780"]); _hsq.push(["setContentMetadata", { "contentPageId": 45887872780, "legacyPageId": "45887872780", "contentFolderId": null, "contentGroupId": 24765659131, "abTestId": null, "languageVariantId": 45887872780, "languageCode": "en-gb", }]); </script> <script type="text/javascript" id="hs-script-loader" async defer src="/hs/scriptloader/6586853.js"></script>  <script type="text/javascript"> var hsVars = { render_id: "37b88a68-acea-41d2-8c15-61d94a5d2bac", ticks: 1732011320605, page_id: 45887872780, content_group_id: 24765659131, portal_id: 6586853, app_hs_base_url: "https://app.hubspot.com", cp_hs_base_url: "https://cp.hubspot.com", language: "en-gb", analytics_page_type: "blog-post", scp_content_type: "", analytics_page_id: "45887872780", category_id: 3, folder_id: 0, is_hubspot_user: false } </script> <script defer src="/hs/hsstatic/HubspotToolsMenu/static-1.354/js/index.js"></script> <script>(function(d,u,ac){var s=d.createElement('script');s.type='text/javascript';s.src='https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js';s.async=true;s.dataset.user=u;s.dataset.account=ac;d.getElementsByTagName('head')[0].appendChild(s);})(document,65183,73101);</script> <div id="fb-root"></div> <script>(function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v3.0"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk'));</script> <script>!function(d,s,id){var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}}(document,"script","twitter-wjs");</script> </body></html>

CINXE.COM

Sample Prep Series Part 1: Preparing your sample for vitrification