Cryo-Electron Microscopy Analysis Service | Drug Discovery
Cryo-Electron Microscopy (Cryo-EM) is a high-resolution structural characterization technique that allows imaging of biological macromolecules under cryogenic conditions. By rapidly freezing samples in vitreous ice, Cryo-EM preserves their native conformations and structures, enabling in situ imaging without the need for staining or fixation. This technique is widely used to analyze the three-dimensional conformations of protein complexes, virus particles, nucleic acids, membrane proteins, and antibodies, supporting higher-order structure (HOS) analysis, conformational heterogeneity studies, assembly state characterization, and molecular interaction evaluations. Cryo-EM has become an essential tool in structural biology and drug discovery.
Leveraging an advanced Cryo-EM platform, MtoZ Biolabs offers a comprehensive Cryo-Electron Microscopy Analysis Service tailored to the drug discovery process. Our service covers target structure elucidation, antibody drug conformational verification, HOS research of biologics, and more, providing high-quality structural data for drug development and regulatory support.
Zhu, KF. et al. Mil Med Res. 2023.
Services at MtoZ Biolabs
Cryo-EM is an imaging technique based on transmission electron microscopy, where samples are rapidly frozen at ultra-low temperatures (−180°C), forming an amorphous ice layer that preserves their native conformations. The images formed by electron beam illumination are then processed using single-particle reconstruction, Cryo-ET (Electron Tomography), or electron crystallography to perform three-dimensional modeling and analysis. This technology can achieve atomic-level resolution (<3 Å), making it suitable for studying biological systems with high conformational heterogeneity, aggregation tendencies, or those difficult to crystallize.
MtoZ Biolabs’ Cryo-Electron Microscopy Analysis Service includes, but are not limited to:
Table 1. Cryo-EM-based Biophysical Characterization Services at MtoZ Biolabs
Our Cryo-Electron Microscopy Analysis Service caters to a range of structural biology applications from basic research to early-stage drug development, helping clients accurately determine molecular conformations and providing structural support for pharmacological evaluation, target validation, and CMC submissions.
Analysis Workflow
Service Advantages
1. High-Resolution Structural Analysis
Cryo-EM enables high-resolution (<3 Å) structural analysis of biological macromolecules and their complexes, providing detailed structural insights that are essential for drug design and molecular mechanism studies.
2. Transparent Pricing
MtoZ Biolabs offers a clear and transparent pricing structure, ensuring clients are fully aware of the cost breakdown and providing flexible pricing based on project requirements, helping clients achieve high-quality structural analysis within budget.
3. Experienced Team
Our team is composed of highly skilled structural biologists and electron microscopy experts, with a strong foundation in Cryo-EM techniques, ensuring high-level technical support and data interpretation for the successful progression of projects.
4. Customized Services
MtoZ Biolabs offers flexible Cryo-Electron Microscopy Analysis Service tailored to meet various needs, including structural elucidation, conformational analysis, and mechanism research. We deliver structural files, image reports, and molecular models to meet the goals of different research stages.
Applications
✔ Target Structure Elucidation: Membrane proteins, transcription factors, virus structures, and other challenging targets
✔ Antibody Drug Development: mAb conformational analysis, Fab/antigen complex research
✔ HOS Analysis and Consistency Evaluation: Supporting CMC quality evaluation of biologics
✔ Structure-Based Drug Design: Ligand binding mode studies, mechanism elucidation
✔ Protein Complex Studies: Assembly state and conformational dynamics analysis
FAQs
Q1: What types of samples are suitable for Cryo-EM?
A: Cryo-EM is suitable for proteins, antibodies, virus particles, nanoparticles, and complexes, especially for systems with high conformational dynamics and larger molecular weights (>100 kDa).
Q2: Is a large sample quantity required?
A: Compared to X-ray and NMR, Cryo-EM requires smaller sample amounts. Typically, only 0.1–0.5 mg is needed for data acquisition.
Q3: Do you support target-ligand complex analysis?
A: Yes. Our Cryo-Electron Microscopy Analysis Service can analyze the binding conformation of protein-ligand complexes, identify binding pockets, and key interaction sites.
Sample Submission Suggestions
1. Recommended Sample Types: Purified proteins (monomers or complexes), antibody drugs, virus samples
2. Purity Requirements: ≥90%, verified by SDS-PAGE or SEC
3. Buffer System: It is recommended to use buffers free of glycerol and strong ionic interferents, avoiding high salt concentrations
4. Sample Amount: Typically, 0.1–0.5 mg is required, with concentration >0.5 mg/mL (adjustable depending on project type)
5. Shipping Method: It is recommended to ship on dry ice, and please discuss storage and preparation requirements with our technical team in advance
Deliverables
1. Cryo-EM Raw Images and Intermediate Results: Raw image data and pre-processed results for review
2. 3D Reconstruction Models and Resolution Reports: 3D models and associated resolution details
3. PDB or MAP Structural Coordinates (if applicable): Structural coordinates for further modeling or docking
4. Structural Analysis Report: Including conformational features, key structural domain annotations, and analysis results
5. Ongoing Structure Interpretation or Mechanism Analysis Support: Additional analysis support available as per project requirements
Cryo-EM has become an indispensable tool in modern structural biology and drug discovery. MtoZ Biolabs offers professional, high-efficiency Cryo-Electron Microscopy Analysis Service, supported by advanced platforms and standardized analytical workflows.
If you are interested in our service, contact MtoZ Biolabs to initiate customized service and accelerate the progress of your innovative drug development projects.
Related Services
Cryo-EM Protein-Small Molecule Complex Structure Characterization Service
Protein Complex Cryo-EM Structure Characterization Service
How to order?
