CERES Ice Defence System: powerful tools for minimizing ice contamination

The CERES Clean Station provides a clean and moisture free platform for cryo-EM users to prepare samples with ease. It is designed for high effectiveness with the comfort of the user in mind. The liquid nitrogen-cooled preparation table consists of three modules specifically designed for:

1. C-clipping (AutoGrid preparation)
2. AutoGrid-shuttle assembly
3. Autoloader cassette loading

Whether you are performing single particle analysis or cryo-ET, the CERES Clean Station is your perfect partner for an ice contamination-free sample preparation. 

When you have prepared your AutoGrid-shuttle and you are ready to transfer it to your cryo-FIB/SEM for imaging or for lamella preparation, load the shuttle into the CERES Vitri-Lock through the interface without exposing the shuttle to the atmosphere and keep your samples uncontaminated.

After loading the Autoloader cassette with AutoGrids in the Clean Station, place the cassette in the NanoCab to transfer out of the Clean Station through the load lock. CERES Vitri-Lock enables a safe transfer time for up to 30 minutes, ensuring your samples stay vitrified without the need for rushing between stations.

During lamellae milling, CERES Ice Shield will offer the ultimate protection against ice contamination originating from the electron column using our patented technology. It is liquid nitrogen-cooled and provides cryo pumping to lower the partial pressure of water in the vicinity of your cryo sample. Thus, the residual moisture in the chamber preferentially condenses on the CERES Ice Shield rather than your cryo samples. In addition, the cryo cooling increases the cryo pumping speed and thereby further lowers the partial pressure of water inside the cryo-FIB chamber and at the sample location.

With the patented, innovative cryo shutter design, your cryo sample is particularly shielded from the warmth from the electron column, and therefore preventing condensation on the sample. With the >10-fold decrease in ice contamination rate, you can prepare many more lamellae before the first lamella becomes covered in ice.

Every scientist knows that the key to high quality data is to have good samples. Crystalline ice formed on or in the sample can obscure the region of interest and significantly lower the cryo-EM data quality. Therefore, the CERES Ice Defence System is created to clear the way for your cryo-ET workflow which is hindered by ice contamination.

Working with CERES Ice Defence System tools together or independently, you can expect higher quality EM data and higher throughput throughout your cryo-ET workflow.