Cryo Grid Boxes & Handling Tools

Cryo Grid Boxes

The Cryo Grid Boxes are used for storing and transferring vitrified Cryo-EM specimens prepared with cryo-devices like the FEI Vitrobot, Gatan CP3, Leica EM 6P, as well as other cryo vitrification systems. Each box holds 4 grids and is available in two colors and three versions: with clear lid, pin type lid, and without lid. All boxes have a UNC 5/40 thread in the center. On versions with clear lids, the lid is held in place with a stainless steel screw.

Compatability
Round: FEI Vitrobot, Leica EM 6P, Gatan CP3, 626, CT3500
Square: Gatan CP3 & CT3500

Twist-Top Cryo Grid Box

Similar to other Cryo Grid boxes, this grid box is used in the transfer and storage of vitrified cryo-EM samples. No special tools are required since the twist-top lid is rotated with standard laboratory tweezers. The Twist-Top Cryo Grid Box is made from a special polymer formulation for zero static at cryogenic temperatures. The box has four diamond-shaped slot positions with identification numbers and is of standard size for all common Cryo-EM sample mounting and storage devices.

NEW High Capacity Cryo Grid Boxes

These innovative grid boxes from NanoSoft eliminate several drawbacks of conventional cryo grid boxes.

The 8-Pocket Grid Box allows for the storage of 8 unclipped grids in one grid box. The traditional diamond-shaped pocket provides security for an unclipped grid while also allowing for easy access with tweezers.

The Hybrid Grid Box is the first Cryo-EM sample storage box that has dedicated pockets for both unclipped grids and AutoGrids. This optimized design securely cradles both four AutoGrids and four unclipped grids while also allowing for easy placement and removal from pockets. Upon clipping, the AutoGrid can be shifted to the AutoGrid pocket directly across from the unclipped grid pocket, allowing for simplified vitrification workflow.

The Bulk Storage Grid Box has a pocket with 12 slots that are optimal for cradling 12 AutoGrids – an entire cassette of AutoGrids – in one grid box. Furthermore, the slots can also hold unclipped grids securely. The first of its kind grid box can be used to store an entire 12-grid cassette of samples, from vitrification through to cassette loading, drastically improving storage density and sample traceability, and reducing storage complexity and grid box inventory requirements.

All styles are available in six different colors and permanently laser-marked with serial numbering to provide easier sample traceability. These grid boxes come supplied in packs of 12 with Clear Pin Lids (#160-47C) for easy visibility of samples. Our Metal Pin Lid (#160-47M) is an available alternative lid which is more resistant to static buildup. Each are compatible with all of our Grid Box Handling Tools/Grippers, such as products #160-46, #160-48, #160-49, #160-50.

Metal Universal HPF & Grid Boxes

The Metal Universal HPF and Grid Boxes from NanoSoft are the first storage box for High Pressure Freezing Hats (3mm sized), and can also store both bare Cryo-EM grids and AutoGrids. The four pockets have two cross-shaped slots – one slot can hold either unclipped grids or AutoGrids, while the wider perpendicular slot holds HPF hats – making this box designed for all workflows, whether doing plunge freezing or HPF.

• Autoclave-compatible anodized aluminum
• Available in six different colors
• Permanently laser-marked with unique serial numbering to help in the tracking and organization of samples

These Metal Universal HPF and Grid Boxes come supplied in packs of six with either Low Profile Lids or without lids. The base can be used with other types of cryo grid box lids, such as Clear Pin Lids (#160-47C) or Metal Pin Lids (#160-47M).

The Low Profile Lid (#160-45) is made of anodized aluminum and is screwed on and off using Hex Tool (#160-45T). The low profile of the lid allows two grid boxes to be stacked in one pocket of a Cryo-EM grid storage puck, doubling your storage capacity. The anodized aluminum is less susceptible to static electricity than plastic lids, causing less sticking of grids to the underside of the lid. The Low Profile Lid is also compatible with all of our High Capacity Cryo Grid Boxes (#160-55, #160-56, #160-59).

Metal Cryo Grid Storage Box

These aluminum grid boxes can be used to transfer and store up to four TEM grids during cryo-EM preparation. Most importantly, these boxes can also accommodate the AutoGrids from FEI/Thermo Fisher. These boxes have a notch on the side so they can be used with various cryo workstations. These grid boxes work with all of our grid box handling tools/grippers such as products #160-46, #160-48, #160-50.

Other features include:

• Numbered wells
• Metal pin-type lid, similar to the plastic #160-47 lids
• Solvent resistant
• Autoclavable
• Easy cleaning
• Long life

Quick Lid

NanoSoft's Quick Lid is a simple way to protect already vitrified samples from ice particulate and other contamination that builds up in the Vitrobot dewar during sample preparation. When placed on top of a grid box, the Quick Lid acts like a shield keeping contamination out of the pockets of the grid box.

Simply cool the Quick Lid in liquid nitrogen before placing on the grid box. When a sample is ready to be placed in the grid box, place the Quick Lid in one of the empty grid box positions in the aluminum ring (keeping it under liquid nitrogen) and replace it after the grid is positioned.

The weight of the stainless steel Quick Lid keeps it in place on the grid box, reliably protecting grids from contamination. The bottom side of the lid has a small nub that easily fits into the center hole of any cryo grid box, keeping it in place. The top of the Quick Lid has a shaped pin that allows for easy transfer of the lid with the Cryo Grid Metal Gripper Tool (#160-50) or most types of tweezers.

Multicolor Cryo Grid Box Handling Rod

Now available in four different colors, the Handling Rod screws into the threaded center of #160-41 round cryo grid box for pick-up and storage applications. Can be used to store the cryo grid box in liquid nitrogen. Available in white, yellow, blue, and black.

Gripper Tool for Cryo Grid Box

Pin Lid Manipulator Tool for Cryo Grid Box

Cryo Grid Box Metal Gripper Tool

The Cryo Grid Box Metal Gripper Tool is used to handle all of our available Cryo Grid Boxes and the Quick Lid, by firmly grasping the head of the screw or the base of the pin.