MIC@Curie / Pôle de Cryo-Microscopie Electronique

Within our electron microscopy platform, we have extensive expertise in cryo sample preparation and observation. We offer our services and expertise to study the structure and ultrastructure of biological samples in 2D and 3D. We support various research teams in France and the Ile-de-France region in the study and characterisation of their samples requiring 2D or 3D cryo-TEM approaches.
In order to be able to offer state-of-the-art methods and techniques, the platform's staff develops its own tools and methods. In particular, developments are carried out to allow the characterisation of thick samples such as eukaryotic cells (>1 µm). For this, we use the JEOL 2200FS in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) mode.
The main development is the new STEM cryo-tomography method. This technique is a specificity of the platform, shared only by a handful of other laboratories in the world.
The platform is equipped with a JEOL 2200FS electron microscope of the FEG type operating at 200 kV with an Omega energy filter, equipped for cryo-MET allowing us to perform cryo-TEM and cryo-tomography TEM experiments. In addition, the microscope is equipped with a Digiscan II beam steering unit and STEM detectors for observing thick samples.

• Mr Sylvain TRÉPOUT