The Hydra Bio is a next-generation multi-species Plasma Focused Ion Beam/Scanning Electron Microscope (PFIB/SEM) dedicated to the high-precision preparation of thin lamella samples from biological and beam-sensitive materials in a vitrified state.
Building upon the foundations of traditional cryo-FIB systems, the Hydra Bio utilizes a plasma source—offering Xenon, Argon, Oxygen, and Nitrogen ion species—to provide “gallium-free” milling, significantly higher material removal rates, and superior surface quality for both frozen-hydrated and resin-embedded specimens.
A defining feature of this system is the Delmic METEOR, an integrated fluorescence light microscope (FLM). By allowing for optical imaging directly within the FIB/SEM vacuum chamber, the METEOR enables a seamless in situ Correlative Light and Electron Microscopy (Cryo-CLEM) workflow. Researchers can identify fluorescently-labeled targets in real-time to guide site-specific milling, eliminating the risks of ice contamination and devitrification associated with external sample transfers.
- Targeted Cryo-Lamella Preparation: Creating pristine “windows” into the cell (typically <200 nm thick) for in situ Cryo-Electron Tomography (Cryo-ET). This allows for the study of supramolecular architectures and functional interactions within their native cellular context.
- Volume EM (Cryo & Room Temp): Automated “slice-and-view” 3D reconstruction of large biological volumes. The use of the Oxygen plasma beam specifically optimizes the milling of resin-embedded tissues, offering high-throughput imaging with minimal artifacts.
- Spin Mill Bio Method: Large-area planar milling (up to 1 mm) to bridge the gap between light microscopy and high-resolution electron microscopy over large tissue areas.
- Gallium-Free Sample Prep: Ideal for beam-sensitive materials or specimens where gallium infiltration would interfere with downstream analytical results.
By visualizing structures in their native environment with unprecedented targeting accuracy, the Hydra Bio serves as a critical tool for scientists seeking to understand complex, sensitive biological systems in 3D.
Talos Arctica G2 Cryo-TEM
Titan Krios G3i Cryo-TEM
Vitrobot Mark IV
Sarah Sterling, PhD
Department of Biology
Cryo-EM Facility Director
Contact: cryoEM_staff@mit.edu
MIT.nano (basement level)
60 Vassar Street (rear)
Cambridge, MA
