View All Electron Microscopy at Instruct
The Oxford Particle Imaging Centre (OPIC) provides state-of-the-art cryogenic electron microscopy for single-particle analysis, cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), cryo-correlative light and electron microscopy (cryo-CLEM), and in situ structural biology. Our workflows support specimens ranging from purified macromolecular complexes and viruses to intact cells, organoids and tissues. OPIC is available to researchers across the University of Oxford and to external academic and industrial users.
OPIC provides comprehensive infrastructure for cryo-EM sample preparation and optimisation, including Vitrobot and Leica GP2 plunge-freezing devices, high-pressure freezing, and PRIMO (Alvéole) micropatterning for controlling cell growth and positioning on EM grids.
For cryo-EM screening and data collection, OPIC houses a 200 kV Thermo Fisher Scientific Glacios cryo-TEM for sample screening, grid optimisation and initial data collection, and a 300 kV Titan Krios G3i cryo-TEM, equipped with a Falcon 4i direct electron detector and Selectris-X energy filter, for high-resolution single-particle and cryo-ET data acquisition.
For in situ structural biology, OPIC operates two complementary cryogenic FIB-SEM platforms. The Thermo Fisher Scientific Arctis Cryo-Plasma FIB enables automated, high-throughput preparation of cryo-lamellae from vitrified cells. Its integrated fluorescence light microscope (iFLM) supports fluorescence-guided target selection and verification during milling, while Autoloader-based sample handling enables streamlined transfer between cryo-FIB preparation and cryo-TEM data collection. The Thermo Fisher Scientific Aquilos 2 FIB-SEM, also equipped with integrated fluorescence imaging, supports conventional cellular lamella preparation as well as cryogenic lift-out, extending in situ cryo-ET to thicker and more complex specimens, including organoids and tissues.
Together, these technologies provide integrated workflows from sample preparation and fluorescence-guided targeting through cryo-FIB milling to high-resolution cryo-ET, alongside conventional single-particle cryo-EM workflows from initial grid optimisation to high-resolution data collection.
A distinctive capability of OPIC is that its instrumentation is embedded within ACDP Category 3 and DEFRA Category 4 containment laboratories, enabling cryo-EM studies of approved infectious pathogens relevant to human and animal health. OPIC therefore brings together single-particle cryo-EM, cellular cryo-ET, cryo-CLEM and high-containment structural biology within a single facility.
Select this option if your single-particle cryo-EM project requires support with grid preparation and optimisation, initial grid screening and/or preliminary data analysis. OPIC staff will support project development and use the most appropriate equipment as your sample progresses towards high-resolution data collection.
If you already have prepared and screened grids that are ready for high-resolution data acquisition, please select Krios Single Particle and Tomography Data Collection instead.
Select this option for projects requiring cryo-FIB preparation and cryo-electron tomography of cells, organoids or tissues. Projects can enter the workflow at different stages, from cell-on-grid optimisation and micropatterning through fluorescence-guided targeting, cryo-lamella preparation and high-resolution cryo-ET.
As in situ projects often require substantial sample and workflow optimisation, we encourage users to contact OPIC at an early stage of project development.
Select this option if you already have prepared and screened cryo-EM grids that are ready for high-resolution data acquisition. This access route supports both single-particle cryo-EM and cryo-electron tomography on our 300 kV Titan Krios G3i equipped with a Falcon 4i direct electron detector and Selectris-X energy filter.
Access to OPIC is provided through three main workflows, depending on the stage and requirements of your project. If none of these options matches your needs, please contact us directly to discuss your project.
Krios Single Particle and Tomography Data Collection
Select this option if you already have prepared and screened cryo-EM grids that are ready for high-end data acquisition. Access is available for both single-particle cryo-EM and electron tomography on the Titan Krios.
Cryo-EM Single Particle Project
Select this option if your project requires support with grid preparation and optimisation, initial grid screening and/or preliminary data analysis. OPIC staff will support you during project development and assign the most appropriate equipment as the project progresses. Once your sample has been optimised and screened and is ready for high-resolution data collection, you should apply through the Krios Single Particle and Tomography Data Collection workflow.
In situ FIB-milling and Cryo-ET project
Select this option for projects requiring cryo-FIB preparation and cryo-electron tomography of cells, organoids or tissues. OPIC can support projects from cell-on-grid optimisation and micropatterning through fluorescence-guided targeting, cryo-lamella preparation and high-resolution cryo-ET.
OPIC operates complementary Thermo Fisher Scientific Arctis Cryo-Plasma FIB and Aquilos 2 FIB-SEM platforms. The Arctis enables automated, high-throughput lamella preparation with integrated fluorescence imaging and Autoloader-based sample handling, while the Aquilos 2 provides flexible FIB-SEM workflows, including cryogenic lift-out for thicker specimens such as organoids and tissues. High-resolution tomography data are collected on our 300 kV Titan Krios G3i, equipped with a Falcon 4i direct electron detector and Selectris-X energy filter.
In situ structural biology projects often require substantial sample and workflow optimisation. We therefore encourage users to contact OPIC at an early stage of project development. For suitable projects, an Instruct internship may provide an appropriate route for extended sample optimisation, method development and training.
