Enhancing the quality of samples for cryogenic electron microscopy
Improving Cryo-EM Specimen Quality Using Surface Science
This study is working on making it easier to prepare tiny biological samples for a special imaging technique called cryoEM, which helps scientists see proteins and other important structures more clearly, so they can better understand how they work.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Denovx, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Streamwood, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11007895 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the preparation of biological samples for cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM), a technique used to visualize proteins and other biological structures at high resolution. The project aims to address challenges in specimen quality by modifying the surfaces of support materials to enhance the distribution and orientation of bioanalytes. By using innovative surface science techniques, the researchers hope to create better conditions for sample preparation, which could lead to more accurate imaging and understanding of biological processes. This work is expected to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of cryoEM workflows.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for benefiting from this research include individuals with diseases that are studied using cryoEM techniques, such as various protein misfolding disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to the biological structures studied by cryoEM may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to significant advancements in our understanding of diseases and the development of new therapies through improved imaging of biological structures.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using surface modifications in cryoEM is innovative, similar techniques have shown promise in enhancing specimen quality in other imaging modalities.
Where this research is happening
Streamwood, United States
- Denovx, LLC — Streamwood, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bond, Andrew H. — Denovx, LLC
- Study coordinator: Bond, Andrew H.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.