NeCEN offers a variety of services for users from academia and industry. Experienced users can operate the instruments with minimal supervision from our staff, while less experienced users will be supervised from beginning to end. For new users we can also offer cryo-Em training. If desired we can handle the entire process from sample preparation to data processing for our users or they can pick and choose which services they would like us to provide. For more information, please follow the links in the sidebar on the right.
Sample Preparation
The samples can be prepared at NeCEN or shipped to NeCEN by the customer. We offer rapid plunge freezing and cryo-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) micromachinery
Data Collection
The core service provided by NeCEN to our users is high throughput data collection on two state-of-the-art Titan Krios transmission electron microscopes. These instruments perform cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) in its two most broadly used forms, single particle analysis (SPA) and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET). These imaging techniques allow visualization of biomolecular structures, such as proteins, macromolecular complexes, bacteria, and cell organelles at subnanometer resolution in close-to-native conditions (no chemical fixation or staining required).
Data Processing
Optional services for data processing range from efficient automated movie alignment or tilt series reconstruction to advanced processes like sub-tomogram averaging, initial model building, or map interpretation.
Training and Seminars
NeCEN aims to contribute to the education of a new generation of cryo-electron microscopists by providing training courses (see for example the cryo-EM school).