Plunge-freezing

Purified samples are vitrified by plunging in liquid ethane cooled by liquid nitrogen. Despite the liquid nitrogen being colder than liquid ethane (‐196°C and ‐182°C respectively) liquid ethane has higher heat transfer capacity and results in better vitrification. The CCI EM preparation lab is equipped with ThermoFisher Vitrobot Mark IV plunge-freezing system.