CSSB Hamburg

The Cryo-EM Facility at CSSB Hamburg, operated by the University of Hamburg, supports a broad spectrum of structural and cell biology projects focused on host-pathogen interactions, from sample preparation to high-resolution structure determination. Established in 2018, the facility provides access to state-of-the-art cryo-EM instrumentation, including automated workflows for single particle data analysis, electron cryo-tomography, lamella preparation, and correlative imaging.

From 2026, the facility will join the Instruct-DE network, expanding cryo-EM access for European researchers, primarily for single particle projects. A total of eight days per year will be available, with a maximum of two days per project. To ensure project completion withing the alloted time, we will offer the following workflows:

• Sample preparation and Cryo-grid screening on the Arctica for samples prepared on Quantifoil grids (e.g. single particle analysis targets, exosomes, vesicles), including 2D classification for initial quality assessment.
• High-end single particle data collection on the Titan Krios with cryoSPARC Live processing for pre-screened grids on the Titan Krios.
• Tomogram acquisition on pre-screened samples such as large complexes, exosomes, and viruses.
• Automated lamella preparation on pre-screened samples such as mammalian cells or bacteria with the option target lamella milling with CLEM (correlative light and electron microscopy)

Tailored support is provided for Instruct users, including project feasibility assessments, proposal preparation, and scheduling support.
For safety and feasibility reasons, initially only biosafety level 1 samples can be accepted. Please note that advanced tomography workflows, including lamella preparation and correlated tomogram collection, are not available in 2026 through Instruct access. For alternative access possibilities see section “Other services”.

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