Sample Preparation for VMXm

A critical aspect of obtaining good quality diffraction data from microcrystals is the signal-to-noise of the sample. The sample can generate a significant amount of background noise during a diffraction experiment and can mask weak diffraction spots. To ensure each sample is optimally mounted to obtain the best possible diffraction signal, the VMXm team have developed a sample preparation pipeline that involves mounting microcrystals on cryoTEM grids that are covered with a minimally X-ray scattering support film.

Unlike standard MX beamlines, VMXm uses a lot of sample preparation protocols from cryo-EM.  The crystals are mounted on TEM grids. These are 3 mm diameter discs usually made from copper, gold or nickel.  The grids can be purchased with varying sizes of grid spacing, and support material.  Usual support materials consist of a carbon based polymer with holes that allow liquid to be wicked away.