PRE & POST CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS

Session Chairs: Eva Olsson - IFSM President
Date: Sunday 2 February
Location: UQ St. Lucia
Participant #’s: maximum of 50 participants
Details: Full day workshop, 9am - 5pm
Cost: $160 AUD/person

Abstract:
The IFSM Young Scientist Assembly gathers 20-50 young scientists that are selected based on their accomplishments and APMC13 abstract.

It is an exciting opportunity to :

Meet Plenary Speakers of IMC20, in a thought-provoking round-table discussions with Q&A.

Discuss career planning and development with discipline leaders.

Network with fellow future emerging leaders.

Publish short paper in microscopy journals when the micrograph is selected in the image contest.

The IFSM YSA starts with a dinner on Saturday, followed by a full one-day meeting on Sunday.

This program is open to all Ph.D. students and researchers in their early stage of careers who completed their Ph.D. within five years from the date of the Congress. Applicants select the ‘YSA’ option when they submit an abstract on the website, and they can submit their application on the template. Applicants must have at least one accepted abstract for the APMC13 Congress Program.

Session Chairs: Peter Hines, Tobias Schappeler, Samuel Yap
Date: Saturday 1 February or 2 February 2025 (pick your day of choice when registering)
Location: QUT - Owen J Wordsworth room
Participant Numbers: Maximum of 100 participants/day
Details: Full day workshop, 9am - 5pm
Cost: $160 AUD/person

Abstract: From electron microscopes to mass spectrometers to XPS, so many characterisation techniques are critically reliant on vacuum technology. This workshop will introduce you to the fundamental concepts of vacuum and the working principles of the pumps and gauges used to make and measure vacuum. Drawing on over 50 years of experience the presenters will also discuss troubleshooting approaches and techniques  to leak test a vacuum  system.

Session Chairs: Georgios Varnavides (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, USA)
Date: Sunday 2 February 2025
Location: UQ St. Lucia
Participant numbers: Maximum of 50 participants
Details: Full day workshop, 9am - 5pm
Cost: $160 AUD/person

Abstract:
Many experiments in scanning / transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) collect an enormous amount of data, due to the widespread adoption of high speed direct electron detectors. These include in situ time series, tilt series for 3D tomography, spectroscopy data such as STEM-EELS, and four dimensional STEM (4D-STEM) diffraction experiments. As a result, we require fast and efficient software codes to analyze these large datasets. This workshop will provide an overview of open source python tools for analysis of atomic resolution imaging, spectroscopic, and diffraction datasets. In this workshop, we will direct participants through hands-on python tutorials and provide example datasets for analysis of 4D-STEM experiments using py4DSTEM. We will also explain the principles behind simulation of TEM and STEM experiments, and lead participants through tutorials of the abTEM and Prismatic simulation programs.

Topics of Interest

• Overview of analysis of imaging, diffraction, and spectroscopy TEM experiments with python.

• py4DSTEM analysis of 4D-STEM, including strain, orientation, DPC, and ptychography.

• Simulation of diffraction patterns with py4DSTEM.

• Simulation of atomic resolution STEM experiments with Prismatic.

• Simulation of atomic resolution TEM experiments with abTEM.

What to bring

• laptop

Session Chairs: Rubbiya Ali, Jake Carroll, Mark Endrei & Luigi Marini
Date: Saturday 1 February or Sunday 2 February 2025 (pick your day of choice when registering)
Location: UQ St. Lucia
Participant Numbers: 40 participant maximum
Details: Half day workshop, 9am - 1pm
Cost: $70 AUD/person

Abstract: In today's rapidly evolving research landscape, effective imaging data management is no longer just an option—it's a necessity. As cameras and imaging technologies advance, they generate increasingly large volumes of data, making robust data management systems critical. This need is particularly pronounced in large, multi-user facilities such as the Centre for Microscopy and Microanalysis (CMM) at the University of Queensland.

This workshop is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of how CMM addresses these challenges through an integrated data management approach. The workshop will explore the vision behind CMM's data strategy, which aims to empower researchers by ensuring that their data is not only stored securely but also remains easily accessible, interoperable, and reusable across various research projects.

The workshop will cover the following three key components:

1.    UQ Research Data Management (RDM) System: This system is the cornerstone of CMM's data storage strategy, offering scalable and secure data storage services that cater to the growing needs of modern research.

2.    Clowder Data Management Framework: A pivotal tool for data cataloguing, metadata extraction, and facilitating user access, Clowder ensures that researchers can efficiently manage and locate their data, significantly enhancing the productivity of multi-disciplinary research teams.

3.    Pitschi Platform: This platform plays a critical role in integrating imaging instruments with the RDM, Clowder, and the UQ Research Infrastructure Management System (RIMS). It streamlines processes such as booking validation, data capture, and seamless data transfer, ensuring that research workflows are both efficient and error-free.

This comprehensive solution adheres to the FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Re-usable) principles, which are increasingly being recognized as the gold standard in research data management. By aligning with these principles, the workshop aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to make their data practices more sustainable and impactful. The workshop format includes lecture material presentations, discussions, and demonstrations.

Topics covered:

Introduction (15 min)

Clowder framework (40 min)

·       Overview

·       Educational and industry projects

·       Clowder version 2 preview

Clowder discussion (20 min)

Coffee break (20 min)

UQ Research Data Management system (40 min)

·       Overview

·       Storage tiers

·       Distributed access

·       User access

RDM discussion (20 min)

Break (10 min)

UQ Pitschi system (40 min)

·       Overview

·       Booking validation with RIMS

·       Data capture and transfer to RDM

·       Data ingestion/registration to Clowder

Pitschi discussion (20 min)

Note: Further instructions will be sent to registrants closer to the workshop.

This workshop is an opportunity to not only learn from experts in the field but also to contribute to discussions that will shape the future of imaging data management at UQ and beyond. Join us to be at the forefront of data-driven research innovation.

Session Chairs: Paul McMillan & Nicole Schieber

Date: Saturday 1 February & Sunday 2 February 2025
Location: UQ St. Lucia
Participant #'s: Maximum of 30
Details: Full day workshop, 10am - 5pm on day 1 and 9am - 4pm on day 2
Cost: $180 AUD/person

Abstract: Being a microscopy facility manager is a complex role, with common challenges faced regardless of the type of platform. This workshop will bring together microscopy facility managers from all platform types to discuss strategies and best practices for running an efficient facility. Through presentations and small group discussions, participants will gain valuable insights and tools to enhance the performance and impact of their facility. 

Relevant topics covered will include:

·       How to establish/maintain a microscopy facility

·       Instrument maintenance and Quality Control

·       Researcher training approaches

·       Project onboarding and management

·       Data management approaches

·       Facility staff training & development

Session Chairs: Nick Cook, Matthew Ng & Andrew Kostryzhev

Date: Saturday 1 February or Sunday 2 February 2025 (pick your day of choice when registering)
Location: UQ LongPocket & St. Lucia
Maximum participant #’s: maximum of 30 participants/day
Details: Full day workshop, 9am - 5pm
Cost: $160 AUD/person

Abstract: Transition to the carbon-free economy based on renewable energy generation and storage requires many metallic elements, including cobalt, lithium, copper, nickel, manganese, gallium, germanium, hafnium, indium, tantalum, titanium, vanadium, tungsten, platinum group metals, and rare earth elements. Reduction in the quality of ores coupled with an increased demand puts pressure on improving traditional methods of extractive metallurgy from natural minerals and stimulates development of secondary mining sources (industrial and domestic waste, manufacturing byproducts, mine tailings). Chemical analysis and mineral identification play a critical role on all the stages of metal life cycle, from the geological exploration to waste recycling. In this workshop the authors will share their views and experience in application of microscopy and microanalysis for automatic characterisation of minerals. In particular, recent developments in SEM-EDS, XRF, and LIBS based techniques will be discussed.

Session Chairs: Raynald Gauvin (McGill University, Canada), Colin MacRae (CSIRO, Australia) and William Rickard (Curtin University, Australia)

Date: Sunday 2 February 2025
Location: UQ St. Lucia
Participant #'s: Maximum of 40
Details: Full day workshop, 9am - 5pm
Cost: $160 AUD/person

Abstract:
Lithium based compounds, from minerals (i.e. Spodumene [LiAlSi2O6]) to advance materials such as Aerospace Alloys [e.g. Al(Li)] and Lithium-Ion Batteries [e.g., (LiFePO4)] are certainly among the most difficult materials to detect and quantify in the electron microscope. While it is easier to detect lithium with ion beams it remains a challenge to quantify Li concentrations. This workshop aims to introduce various imaging related techniques from the detection to the quantification of Li, with emphasis on the workflow related to vacuum/argon handling and transfer of some of these air sensitive materials.

This workshop will cover these techniques:

• Windowless EDS systems in the SEM (e.g. Ultim Extreme Detector and Gather-X) the use of the Soft X-Ray Energy Spectrometer (SXES) in the EPMA

• Imaging SIMS (NanoSIMS and TOF-SIMS)

• EELS in the STEM at 30 keV and 200 keV.

All these techniques are critical for the characterisation and development of lithium-based metals for aerospace industry and materials including advance battery materials critically needed for the decarbonization of transportation vehicles together.

Session Chairs: Hongyi Xu & Kasun Athukorala

Date: Saturday 1 February 2025 or Sunday 2 February 2025 (pick your day of choice when registering)
Location: UQ St. Lucia
Participant #'s": Maximum of 30 participants per day
Audience: Beginners, new to the field of diffraction or MicroED
Details: Full day workshop, 9am - 5pm
Cost: $160 AUD/person

Abstract: The workshop will cover basic theoretical and practical aspects of 3D electron diffraction technique (3D-ED / microED) and its application to structure determination of nano/microcrystalline materials of different classes – from inorganic, to organic and biological compounds. The workshop will include lectures, data collection demo on Glacious and tutorials demonstrating the use of electron diffraction data for structure analysis.

Topics covered:

• Theoretical background of electron diffraction

• Demonstration on 3D-ED data collection on Glacious

• Sample preparation methods for 3D-ED: from inorganics to proteins

• Data collection of 3D-ED data: introduction to the instruments

• 3D-ED data processing

• Structure solution and refinement of small molecules and macromolecules

• Dynamical refinement

• History & Perspectives of 3D-ED

Notes: Attendees will need to bring a laptop. Further instructions will be sent to registrants closer to the workshop.

Session Chairs: Kathryn Green, Erica Lovas, Rick Webb & Helmut Gnaegi

When: Saturday 1 February 2025
Where: UQ St. Lucia
Experience Level: Targeting beginners but open to anyone with interest
Maximum # of Participants: 10
Details: Full day workshop, 9am - 5pm
Cost: $160 AUD/person

Techniques: TEM sample preparation

• Chemically fixed samples using microwave vs. bench processing

• Ultramicrotomy

Abstract:
This workshop is designed to introduce the techniques and best practices for preparing biological samples for Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Aimed at beginners but open to anyone with an interest in the field, this hands-on workshop offers an opportunity to learn and practice sample preparation methods.

Limited to a maximum of 10, the workshop will cover both bench techniques and microwave-assisted methods, highlighting the advantages and applications of each. Participants will work with various sample types, including zebrafish, cell monolayers, and plant tissues. Through practical sessions, attendees will gain proficiency in critical steps such as fixation, dehydration, and embedding. The workshop will emphasize the importance of each step in achieving high-quality samples for electron microscopy.

By the end of the workshop, participants will have a thorough understanding of TEM sample preparation techniques and will be equipped with the skills to prepare their own samples. This workshop is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to start their journey in electron microscopy or refine their sample preparation skills.

Session Chairs: Helmut Gnaegi & Olexandra Marenych

Date: Sunday 2 February 2025
Location: UQ St.Lucia
Participant #'s: Maximum of 10
Experience Level: Open to anyone with interest
Details: Half day workshop, 9am - 1pm
Cost: $70 AUD/person

Abstract: Ultramicrotomy is the ultimate preparation method for polymers which shall be investigated in the TEM, SEM or in the AFM. Polymer materials have a wide variety in size, shape and physical/chemical state. Information is needed to perform successful ultramicrotomy: the polymer type, the glass transition temperature (Tg), is it a blend, a composite, the processing (injection, compression, extruded, etc), are there additives, fibres, nanoparticles, etc. Polymer samples are microtomed at room- or at cryo temperatures, according to their glass transition temperature. Less compression and hence a better structure preservation is achieved by reducing the wedge angle of the knife from 45° to 35° or even to 25° [1]. However, reducing the wedge angle leads to a more sensitive cutting edge. An alternative is to oscillate the knife [2]. This approach allows compression reduction and improved structure preservation in fairly rigid polymers [3, 4]. The oscillating knife reduces the compression almost completely without additional cutting artifacts. For achieving high quality sections the polymer samples need to be trimmed. This is best performed with diamond trimming blades.

Ultramicrotomy of polymers may be performed on a dry diamond knife, or with a liquid such as a dimethyl-sulfoxide/water mixture (50/50%). The temperature of the is kept at -40°C, the temperature for the sample remains below the glass transition temperature. 

Polymers show no or little contrast in the TEM and therefore need to be stained. Common staining agents are OsO4 or RuO4. Staining is performed on the sections or on the sample block after trimming. Blends may need double staining for expressing the different phases. In this case one starts with the weaker staining agent which is OsO4. For investigating nanoparticles, nanotubes or other inclusions no staining is needed.

For achieving a smooth surface for AFM investigation, the section thickness must be kept as thin as possible (<100nm). Sections in the micron range would not result in a smooth surface. It is crucial to distinguish a true structure and a sectioning artifact.  

For the ultrathin sectioning of metals very small sample blocks (width <50µm) are trimmed. Trimming is performed with diamond trimming blades, trimming machines, polishing, etc. Trimming is crucial for not causing damage to the rather soft metals.

The section thickness for metals is 20-40nm. Some metals such as iron, cobalt, nickel and others affect diamond chemically. This leads to a fast worn out of the cutting edge portion and hence to dislocations in the metal structure. For these metals one needs to change to a fresh knife portion after each section. Metals do not need embedding, unless they are thin foils or powders. Metallic coatings on brittle substrates may be processed without embedding [5]. Ultramicrotomy serves for generating high quality metal surfaces for SEM/EBSD investigation [6].

Ultramicrotomy of brittle Materials Research samples is an alternative to the established preparation technique such as polishing, focused ion beam cutting (FIB), ion thinning, cleavage or others. Advantages of ultramicrotomy are: fast, clean, no smearing (as from polishing), no beam damage (as from ion beam techniques). Disadvantages of ultramicrotomy: brittle materials break into small fragments during the cutting. On big samples finding the location of interest may be difficult. Precise target trimming may be performed by using a special target trimming machine. These machines allow first cutting the sample with a diamond saw, then grinding and polishing to size of a few microns, suitable for ultramicrotomy (Reference Ranner?).

Brittle material samples are embedded prior to ultramicrotomy in a rigid epoxi resin [7, 8, 9, 10). If a sample is resin embedded, sections with a thickness of 35nm may be achieved.  For sectioning hard samples such as ceramics, semiconductors, oxides, crystals, etc, a cross section must be small.(<20µm). Instead of embedding brittle samples may be glued on a support with cyanacrylate glue, or clamped in an AFM sample holder. Non embedded brittle samples may be sectioned as thin as 15nm.

For achieving a smooth surface for AFM investigation, the section thickness must be thin (<30nm). Cutting thicker results in a surface pattern. For brittle samples it is crucial to image a smooth surface, rather than a pattern caused by the cutting process.

Most brittle materials may be sectioned with 35° diamond knives. However, for some hard materials such as hydroxyapatite, olivin and some ceramics it was found that 45° diamond knives perform best.

References:

[1]   J. C. Jésior et al., Scanning Microscopy Supplement 3, pp. 147-153, 1989.

[2]   D. Studer et al., Journal of Microscopy 197, pp. 94-100, 2000.

[3]   J. S. Vastenhout et al., Microscopy Today, pp. 20-21, 2006.

[4]   J. S. Vastenhout et al., Microscopy and Microanalysis 8, pp. 324-325, 2002.

[5]   P. Schubert et al., Microscopy and Microanalysis Proceeding., pp. 359, 1997.

[6]   A. M. Sandu et al., Philosophical Magazine, pp. 1-10, 2010.

[7]   G. Mahon et al., Microscopy Research and Technique 31, pp.267-274, 1995.

[8]   S. R. Glanvill et al., Microscopy Research and Technique 31, pp. 275-284, 1995.

[9]   P. Swab et al., MRS Symposium Proceedings. pp. 229-234, 1988.

[10] Y. Maniette, Journal of Materials Science Letters 9, pp. 48-50, 1990.         

Tentative Agenda

8:45 Arrival

9:00 Lecture: Helmut Gnaegi – Ultramicrotomy  (1.5hr)

10:30 Coffee break

11:00 Lab induction (10min)

Overview of workshop (50 min)

12:00 Lunch

1:00 Demo and practical (2hr)

3:00 End

Session Chair: Matthias Floetenmeyer, Na'ama Koifman & Hui Diao
Date: Saturday 1 February & Sunday 2 February 2025
Location: UQ St.Lucia
Participant numbers: 5 participant maximum
Experience Level: CryoEM users looking to expand into advanced workflows
Details: Full day workshop each day, 9am to 5pm on day 1 and 9am to 1pm on day 2
Cost: $180 AUD/person

Abstract: This 2-day workshop will introduce an advanced cryoEM workflow starting from correlative cryogenic-focused ion beam (cryo-FIB) lamella specimen preparation all the way to cryo-tomography of the prepared lamella. The workshop is aimed at users with some cryogenic electron microscopy background who are looking into understanding the main concepts of cryo-FIB and cryo-tomography and would like to expand their capabilities into these two cryo-EM techniques.

The first day will include a demonstration of work on the Enzel system. The Enzel allows the preparation of cryo-FIB lamellae, while monitoring the fluorescent signal in an ROI, thus, allowing for a more accurate milling in the Z-axis. We will demonstrate the abilities of Enzel on a cellular sample, while targeting specific fluorescently labelled ROIs.

The milled lamellae prepared on the Enzel, will be transferred and loaded onto UQ’s newly arrived Thermo-Fisher Glacios. Utilizing its dedicated tomography software we will collect tilt-series tomograms in batch mode. In this cryo-tomography demonstration we will also apply a correlative approach, targeting the specific locations that were identified during the specimen preparation stage with the Enzel.

The workshop will be accompanied with introductory presentations about cryoFIB, Enzel and cryo-Tomography.

As space in both labs is quite limited, the number of participants in the workshop will be limited to 5 only.

Techniques:

• Correlative Cryo-FIBSEM sample preparation

• Correlative Cryo-Tomography
  

Session Chairs: Joseph Fernando, Joseph Otte & Olexandra Marenych

Date: Saturday 1 February 2025
Location: UQ St. Lucia
Participant #'s: Maximum of 12
Details: Half day workshop, 9am - 1pm
Cost: $70 AUD/person

Abstract: Analytical TEM and STEM are valuable tools for characterising a wide range of materials but can be prone to misinterpretation of results. This workshop aims to introduce the breadth of analytical tools available on the HF5000 aberration corrected TEM/STEM system at UQ and to explore how simultaneously using a combination of techniques can give a robust answer to difficult characterisation problems. This workshop will be most suitable for those wanting to gain some more in-depth knowledge of analytical techniques and hands on experience with high performance TEM/STEM. The following will be covered in a series of lectures over 2 hours and a ~2 hour practical demonstration:

-       Strengths and weaknesses of STEM-EDX using dual 100mm^2 windowless Oxford EDX detectors.

-       Strengths and weaknesses of STEM and TEM EELS as well as EFTEM using Gatan GIF Quantum.

-       A variety of sample preparation techniques and their impact on TEM/STEM outcomes.

Session Chairs: Craig Stoppiello & Rob Jones
Date: Saturday 1 February 2025
Location: UQ, St Lucia Campus
Participant #’s: maximum of 15 participants
Experience Level: Novice
Details: Full day workshop, 9am - 5pm
Cost: $160 AUD/person

Abstract: The workshop introduces the fundamentals of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), two powerful techniques for analysing the surface chemistry of solids, such as inorganic compounds, alloys, polymers, ceramics, and biomaterials. The operating principles of the two techniques will be introduced, together with descriptions and examples of the types of data obtained with each. Both the capabilities and limitations of the two methods will be discussed, as well as the complementarity of the two approaches in determining the surface composition of a sample. Other topics to be covered in the workshop include sample preparation and handling, and data analysis and interpretation.

Participants will need to bring their own laptops.

Session Chairs: Hui Diao, Konstantin Faershteyn, Lena Wolff and Jing Fu

Date: Sunday 2 February 2025
Location: UQ St. Lucia
Participant #'s: maximum of 30 participants
Details: Full day workshop, 9am - 5pm
Cost: $160 AUD/person

Abstract: Focused Ion Beam (FIB) technology has rapidly evolved over the past decade. Today, different ion species as well as analysis techniques and attachments are available, making FIB technology one of the most versatile instruments. This workshop aims to introduce recent advances in FIB technology and emerging new applications.Topics covered include the fundamentals of FIB/SEM; cryo-FIB/SEM systems in both physical and biological sciences; in situ testing with FIB; nanofabrication and materials engineering; different ion species as well as 3D reconstruction (volume imaging) which was named as one of the seven technologies in  2023’s to watch in Nature. By the end of the workshop, participants will have an overview of the rapidly developing FIB landscape, from traditional applications to emerging technology and its potential applications. The workshop will also introduce the capabilities of FIB systems in Australia, and connect future users with instrument managers.

Topics:
Introduction/Fundamentals of FIB/SEM and cryo-FIB/SEM

Sample preparation and volume imaging and 3D analysis

Testing and characterization with FIB

FIB with multiple ion species and FIB/SIMS

Nanofabrication and direct lithography

Session Chairs: Dmitri Golberg, Chao Zhang, Konstantin Faershteyn & Jamie Riches

Date: Saturday 1st February 2025
Location: QUT Gardens Point Campus
Participant #'s: maximum of 20 participants
Experience Level: basic knowledge of electron microscopy and materials science
Details: Full day workshop, 9am - 5pm
Cost: $160 AUD/person

Abstract: This workshop aims to introduce the principles of in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) - a powerful tool for studying materials at the atomic scale in real-time. Participants will learn how in situ TEM enables the direct observation of dynamic processes, such as lithiation, phase transitions, crystallization, deformation, chemical reactions and photoresponse under various stimuli including light, temperature, electrical bias, and strain. Through a combination of theoretical lectures and practical TEM holder demonstrations the attendees will explore the applications of in situ TEM in materials science and nanotechnology. The workshop will also cover specimen preparation techniques, operational protocols, and data analysis methods, providing a comprehensive understanding of how to leverage in situ TEM to gain insights into the materials properties and functions and their technological applications .

In situ TEM holders available for demonstration:

• Electrical bias holder / STM probing holder

• Mechanical AFM cantilever holder

• MEMS heating holder

• Optical electrical holder

• Liquid holder

Session Chairs: Deborah Barkauskas & Taryn Guinan

Date: Sunday 2 February 2025
Location: UQ IMB Lecture, UQ IMB Microscopy Facility
Maximum participant #’s: maximum of 10 participants
Details: Full day workshop, 9am - 5pm
Cost: $160 AUD/person

Abstract: Detecting the fluorescence lifetime of a fluorophore provides interaction information of the fluorescent probe with adjacent fluorophores or the environment. Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) is an advanced imaging technique that can determine cellular processes, molecular interactions and environmental changes. This workshop hosted at UQ IMB, introduces the principles of FLIM with a lecture that includes applications on how FLIM is used in fields like biomedical research, drug discovery, cellular metabolism studies, and live-cell imaging. Gain practical experience in a hand-on session on a Leica SP8 FALCON system acquiring FLIM data in the time-domain including the ability to record FLIM in multiple spectral channels simultaneously. Followed by an afternoon session on analysis tools including analysis using lifetime curve fitting as well as the phasor approach. An important part of this workshop is to make the FLIM data analysis approachable and understandable. The aim is to appreciate multiparametric fluorescence imaging and to enable participants to use this technique in their imaging applications.

Session Chairs: Xavier Heiligenstein, Martin Belle & Trevor Hinwood

Date: Saturday 1 February OR Sunday 2 February 2025
Location: UQ St. Lucia
Maximum participant #’s: maximum of 8 participants per session (4 sessions in total, each session runs for half day)
Details: Full day workshop, 9am - 5pm
Cost: $160 AUD/person

Abstract: "Freeze-substitution (FS) remains the preferred method for preserving near-native ultrastructure of biological materials post-vitrification for room temperature electron microscopy. Traditionally slow and laborious, the technique has recently seen significant advancements, notably with Quick Freeze Substitution, which employs sample agitation during dehydration to expedite processing and enhance reliability (McDonald & Webb, 2011). Key benefits include reduced liquid nitrogen usage, faster processing times, lower costs, and improved safety (work in a fume hood).

Subsequent innovations have aimed to standardize FS, yet still rely on conventional automated freeze-substitution machines (Reipert et al., 2018). In this workshop, we present our novel 'FlexiSub unit', an advanced FS apparatus that offers:

1.      Liquid nitrogen-free operation: Automatic cool-down to -90°C in 1 hour, without supervision.

2.      Adjustable temperature ramp: Rates from +1°C/hr to +25°C/hr.

3.      Versatile sample accommodation: Supports standard multi-well plates (6 to 96) or any lab consumables.

4.      Compact design: Fits in a regular fume hood for safe operation (Depth: 460mm, Width: 300mm, Height: 280mm).

5.      Integrated agitation module: Ensures thorough and even processing.

6.      Temperature logging: Records fluctuations for reproducibility and FAIR principles.

7.      Internet connectivity: Enables remote monitoring and control.

Following an introduction to FS and our 'FlexiSub unit', participants will engage in hands-on practical exercises, including carrier filling, cryo-cooling, sample transfer (Heiligenstein et al., 2024), and initiating the FS cycle under agitation. Attendees will also explore the user interface and modify programs according to their needs.

Join us to discover the flexibility and efficiency of the 'FlexiSub unit' and its potential to transform your electron microscopy workflows."

Experience level: beginners to experts

Techniques: Sample vitrification, freeze-substitution, resin embedding.

Sample: for the demonstration, we will use hand-cream and ethanol.