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![[Figure 1]](ih5005fig1mag.jpg)
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Figure 1
Overview of the VitroJet setup including accessories, components inside the instrument and process steps. (a) Overview of the VitroJet, which can be divided into a console and the main instrument. The control PC is used to operate the system and the reusable deposition pins can be cleaned ultrasonically in a separate cleaning station. (b) The VitroJet without front covers and (c) a schematic representation of the steps that are performed to process one Autogrid. Firstly, the gripper picks up one of the Autogrids from the grid cassette for transportation through the grid-preparation process. Secondly, the Autogrid is placed in the vacuum chamber, where the pressure is regulated using the gas inlet. The power supply applies a potential difference to the electrodes to generate a plasma. The plasma is generated remotely from the grid, and the flow towards the grid provides gentle cleaning to make it hydrophilic. Thirdly, the Autogrid is brought down to the temperature-controlled climate chamber where the humidifier provides an environment for dew-point regulation. A pin from the pin drum picks up sample from the pipette and scribes it onto the grid by pin printing. The pin is maintained at a distance from the Autogrid and moved laterally with respect to the grid to deposit a thin layer. These processes are monitored using the pipette and grid cameras. Fourthly, the Autogrid is jet vitrified in the ethane cup by two jets that target the center of the Autogrid to cool the sample. Finally, the Autogrid is automatically stored in the grid boxes located in the liquid-nitrogen (LN2) reservoir, where the level of liquid nitrogen is maintained through the liquid-nitrogen dewar. |
![[Figure 1]](ih5005fig1.jpg)
 | STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY |
ISSN: 2059-7983
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