ABSTRACT
This technique can be performed using equipment of the type shown in Figures. 7.1 and 7.2 , as described in the legends to these figures. Similar equipment is available commercially, for example the Reichert KF80 (sometimes termed the ‘cryostation’, plunge freezer or immersion cryofixer). Equipment of the type shown in Figure 7.1 can be constructed by skilled personnel in a reasonably well-equipped mechanical workshop (technical details may be obtained from the EMBL, Heidelberg). A variety of smaller routine accessories are also needed for working under liquid nitrogen, such as forceps, small screwdriver, metal probes and small plastic or metal grid containers or boxes. Individual laboratories rapidly establish their own working system for cryomicroscopy, centred around the main procedure described below. As with many other technical procedures, the simplest approach often proves to be the most successful. Gravity plunge freezing apparatus.
Gravity plunge freezing apparatus for the production of thin vitrified specimens. (a) The standard apparatus with spring-type forceps holder, and (b) a newer apparatus with clamp-type forceps holder and an in-built magnet to hold the forceps when the clamp is loose. (c, d) Closeup views of the two types of forceps holder [(F) forceps (C) cable release mechanism for plunger].
https://s3-euw1-ap-pe-df-pch-content-public-p.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/9781003423799/f739f0a8-091b-4af5-89de-30c5e61ed759/content/fig7_1.jpg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"/> Release mechanism of the rapid freezing apparatus.Close-up photographs showing the release mechanism of the rapid freezing apparatus in Figure 7.1 b, (a) before, and (b) after pressing the cable release and rapid free-fall of the mechanism on to its rubber stop (arrow).
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