In-depth understanding of cellular structural biology

Cryo Light Microscope THUNDER Imager EM Cryo CLEM

The THUNDER Imager EM Cryo CLEM is a cryo light microscope featuring opto-digital THUNDER technology. It provides the imaging data and secure cryo conditions you need for successful experimental investigations concerning structural biology. Precisely identify cellular structures of interest thanks to high resolution, haze-free imaging with THUNDER technology, then transfer the specimen seamlessly to your EM.

Benefits include:

Fast, high-resolution imaging and elimination of out-of-focus blur with THUNDER technology
Precise, seamless transfer of image data to different EM solutions
Optimal cryo conditions maintained throughout the imaging workflow and sample transfer

For research use only

The EM Cryo CLEM is a key element in our cryo workflows. I do not want to miss it.

Dr. Yannick Schwab, Team Leader and Head of Electron Microscopy Core Facility, EMBL Heidelberg (Germany)

HeLa cells without THUNDER Imager

HeLa cells with THUNDER Imager

Identify and image of your region of interest more clearly with THUNDER

For optimal visualization of cellular structures, the THUNDER Imager EM Cryo CLEM combines a high-resolution cryo objective with THUNDER technology from Leica Microsystems. The result is crisp, haze-free images.

THUNDER employs the innovative Leica method of Computational Clearing for removal of the out-of-focus blur that can occur with widefield observation. The THUNDER Imager EM Cryo CLEM also includes a 50x / 0.9 NA objective. In contrast to commonly used long-working distance objectives this lens has been purposefully designed for high resolution imaging of vitrified samples. You benefit from better identification and visualization of the fine details of cell structures together with the speed and ease of use of a widefield microscope.

Interactive Image: HeLa cells plated on gold Quantifoil R2/2-coated G200F1 finder grids.
Cells were transfected with GFP-TGN46 (trans Golgi network) and mCherry-Lifeact (F-actin). Nuclei were stained with Hoechst 33342. Sample courtesy of Lucy Collinson, The Francis Crick Institute, London (United Kingdom).

Simple, reproducible workflow

If you need to find your region of interest quickly in the electron microscope, then you can easily choose to mark it and export the coordinates during specimen transfer. The intuitive software guides you through the workflow so you can quickly and effectively get the results you need to support successful EM investigation. For high-resolution, blur-free results, process your image afterwards with THUNDER.

Benefit from:

Easy, precise targeting and data capture - the software guides you step by step through the imaging workflow
Hassle-free imaging - simply mark your region of interest and the software automatically captures and precisely stitches together mosaic images
Post processing with THUNDER for high-resolution, blur-free images
Fast, reproducible results - you can save and recall complete experiment setups

Fluorescence image of a cell on an EM grid visualized and selectively marked with the EM Cryo CLEM.

The exact same cell visualized and retrieved with the coordinate marker, here, on the Thermo Scientific Aquilos.

Easy retrieval with coordinate transfer utilizing cryo light microscopy

The integrated software of the THUNDER Imager EM Cryo CLEM not only guides you through your imaging workflow, it also exports the original image data and associated coordinates with just one click. You can immediately relocate the cellular target region in your preferred electron microscope and begin your investigation of the specimen ultrastructure.

If you choose to work with the Thermo Fisher Scientific MAPS EM you can additionally benefit from our jointly-developed Cryo Electron Tomography workflow . The workflow ensures full integration from vitrification with our EM GP2 through to 3D image reconstruction with the Thermo Scientific Krios™ G3i cryo TEM.

Interactive Image: Selection and retrieval of coordinates. Fluorescence image of a cell on an EM grid visualized and selectively marked. The exact same cell visualized and relocated with the coordinate marker, here, on the Thermo Scientific Aquilos.

Cryo conditions maintained

To maximize the probability of a successful experimental outcome, the unique cartridge system and closed cryo stage ensure your specimen remains vitrified. This system minimizes the potential for contamination during the loading and transfer process and even during long-term image recordings.

How it works

The cartridge system (1) allows safe and fast handling of the specimen. The press and clip mechanism accelerates the specimen throughput and loading time of your grids into the cryo stage.

A shuttle docking station (2) safeguards your cryo sample by maintaining an optimal temperature.

The cryo stage (3) with synchronized objective lid prevents air contamination of the specimen by keeping it under stable overpressure

Choose the appropriate workflow to your biological study

The THUNDER Imager EM Cryo CLEM is a flexible multi-purpose solution that can be implemented into different electron microscope workflows.

Choose the optimal workflow for your experiment in relation to your biological research question, so you can get the answers you need. For more information on workflow solutions for life science research, download our workflow booklet.

Cryo CLEM Workflow

With this workflow you can analyse the high resolution ultrastructure of cryo sectioned samples. High pressure freeze and cryo section your samples. Afterwards the THUNDER Imager EM Cryo CLEM helps you to identify the region of interest before cryo TEM imaging. The workflow is suitable for tissue samples.

(1) High pressure freezing (EM ICE)
(2) Cryo Sectioning (EM UC7 / EM FC7)
(3) Identifying the region of interest (THUNDER Imager EM Cryo CLEM)
(4) Imaging in the TEM

Cryo On-Grid Lamella Workflow - Using the Thermo Fisher Aquilos cryo-FIB SEM

Analyze protein structures within their native, cellular environment. Samples are plunge frozen and the region of interest is milled down for imaging in the cryo TEM.

(1) Plunge freezing (EM GP2)
(2) Identifying the region of interest (THUNDER Imager EM Cryo CLEM)
(3) Milling and Coating with the Thermo Fisher Aquilos cryo FIB SEM
(4) Imaging in the TEM

Cryo On-Grid Lamella Workflow - Using the Thermo Fisher Aquilos cryo-FIB SEM

Cryo On-Grid Lamella Workflow - for all other FIB-SEM suppliers

Analyze protein structures within their native, cellular environment. Samples are plunge frozen and the region of interest is milled down for imaging in the cryo TEM.

(1) Plunge freezing (EM GP2)
(2) Identifying the region of interest (THUNDER Imager EM Cryo CLEM)
(3) Transfer (EM VCM)
(4) Coating (EM ACE600 / EM ACE900)
(5) Transfer (EM VCT500)
(6) Milling in the FIB
(7) Imaging in the TEM