The Thermo Scientific Aquilos 2 Cryo-FIB is the latest generation of our cryo-DualBeam system. It is dedicated to the preparation of thin, electron-transparent lamellas for high-resolution cryo-electron tomography or MicroED of micro-crystals. 

With the Aquilos 2 Cryo-FIB, you can take a revolutionary step forward by automating steps in the workflow to produce multiple lamellas from specific programmed locations. The improved dedicated cryo-hardware will provide you with longer run times at ultra-low contamination rates. Discover how our latest cryo-FIB platform enables the determination of structures right inside the cell.

• Automation: Run the system overnight, allowing it to automatically produce multiple lamellas for you with Thermo Scientific AutoTEM Software.
• Lift-out: Target and extract your structure of interest with the Thermo Scientific EasyLift NanoManipulator, our high-precision cryo-lift-out solution.
• 3D visualization: View the native subcellular structure below the surface using charging contrast and identify features for high-resolution tomography in cryo-TEM with Thermo Scientific Auto Slice and View Software.

Automated batch cryo-lamella milling

Mark multiple points of interest, such as cells, for cryo-lamella milling. Cryo AutoTEM Software is a guided solution for automatically preparing multiple lamellas in unattended runs, increasing your productivity.

Cryo-lift-out lamella preparation

Prepare lamellas from specific targeted regions with nanometer-position accuracy. The high-precision EasyLift NanoManipulator option allows for extraction of site-specific regions, such as fluorescently labeled proteins, even from high-pressure frozen samples. These lamellas can subsequently be placed inside autogrids for cryo-TEM and further imaging of protein structures and protein networks.

3D visualization

With our Cryo-Auto Slice and View Software, you can acquire 3D images from vitrified samples by sequential milling and then imaging of the cross-section of a defined volume of the sample. This process will help you stop milling at the correct subcellular region to prepare your lamella before you observe the ultrastructural detail in your cryo-TEM using cryo-ET.

Accelerate and Advance service packages for Cryo-tomography

Accelerate and Advance service packages for Cryo-tomography will support your success from the moment your purchase your Thermo Scientific Aquilos 2 Cryo-FIB system.  From applications support to system remote monitoring to comprehensive maintenance, our unique blend of data-driven and hand-on services will help you quickly achieve your desired outcomes.

At M&M 2019, Dr. Alex Rigort, Product Marketing Manager, Thermo Fisher Scientific, presented the new features of the Thermo Scientific Aquilos 2 Cryo-FIB. This latest generation of our cryo-DualBeam system is dedicated to the preparation of thin, electron-transparent lamellas for high-resolution cryo-electron tomography or MicroED of micro-crystals.

Preparation of cells for cryo-electron tomography

The Thermo Fisher cryo-electron tomography workflow covers flash freezing cells to final 3D visualization. Interior cellular regions are imaged at nanometer-scale resolution and from cryo-lamellae precisely prepared with Aquilos 2 cryo-FIB.