A modular platform for automated cryo-FIB workflows

oleh: Sven Klumpe, Herman KH Fung, Sara K Goetz, Ievgeniia Zagoriy, Bernhard Hampoelz, Xiaojie Zhang, Philipp S Erdmann, Janina Baumbach, Christoph W Müller, Martin Beck, Jürgen M Plitzko, Julia Mahamid

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: eLife Sciences Publications Ltd 2021-12-01

Deskripsi

Lamella micromachining by focused ion beam milling at cryogenic temperature (cryo-FIB) has matured into a preparation method widely used for cellular cryo-electron tomography. Due to the limited ablation rates of low Ga+ ion beam currents required to maintain the structural integrity of vitreous specimens, common preparation protocols are time-consuming and labor intensive. The improved stability of new-generation cryo-FIB instruments now enables automated operations. Here, we present an open-source software tool, SerialFIB, for creating automated and customizable cryo-FIB preparation protocols. The software encompasses a graphical user interface for easy execution of routine lamellae preparations, a scripting module compatible with available Python packages, and interfaces with three-dimensional correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM) tools. SerialFIB enables the streamlining of advanced cryo-FIB protocols such as multi-modal imaging, CLEM-guided lamella preparation and in situ lamella lift-out procedures. Our software therefore provides a foundation for further development of advanced cryogenic imaging and sample preparation protocols.