Specialized for cryo-EM and cryo-ET applications, the BioContinuum® represents a significant advancement in imaging technology, allowing in-depth exploration of molecular-level system functions and disease progression.
Advantages
The BioContinuum is a post-column imaging filter designed to enhance the contrast of transmission electron microscope (TEM) images, offering unparalleled imaging performance in life science applications.
This cutting-edge technology combines the latest GIF electron optics with the transformative direct detection capabilities of the K3® camera. Specifically optimized for cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET), the BioContinuum enables detailed insights into the atomic structure of biological macromolecules and disease progression at the molecular level.
Offering a user-friendly and adaptable system, the BioContinuum imaging filter can be managed through the robust Gatan Microscopy Suite® software, which includes DigitalMicrograph®, Latitude® S, Latitude T, and Latitude D. Alternatively, seamless integration is possible with Thermo Scientific EPU software, Thermo Scientific Tomography software, Serial EM, and Leginion.
The BioContinuum imaging filter comes in two different models:
Source: Gatan, Inc.
| |
BioContinuum |
BioContinuum HD |
| Model number |
1067 |
1067HD |
| Detector |
K3 |
K3 |
| Real-time motion correction |
Optional |
Optional |
| Integrated centered beam stop |
Optional |
Optional |
| EELS capability |
- |
Optional |
| EFTEM capability |
- |
Optional |
| Integrated BF/DF detector for STEM imaging |
- |
Optional |
The BioContinuum HD imaging filter is consistent with the majority of TEMs from Thermo Fisher, Hitachi, and JEOL.
Stable, Aberration-Corrected Optics
- Lowest image and energy distortion: Cutting-edge optics decrease image distortion and offer even imaging over the complete field of view.
- Most stable optics in the market: Extremely stable ZLP positioning provides a consistent quality of data with no downtime in imaging
Advanced electron optics and system electronics result in a highly stable ZLP allowing for extended data collection sessions. Image Credit: Gatan, Inc.
High-Quality, High-Throughput Direct Detection Imaging
- High-speed data collection: Routinely collect >600 movies per hour.
- Highest DQE and widest operating voltage range: Acquire data at the highest resolutions from 80 – 300 kV.
- Large field of view: Ideal for cryo-ET to collect the highest resolution images within the larger biological context.
Easy to Use
- Driven by the DigitalMicrograph, Latitude, and AutoFilter® platforms, this system can be easily operated without compromising the power or flexibility required for contemporary experiments.
- Streamlining optics alignment for all users, smart algorithms enhance the speed and efficiency of one-button tuning and alignment on all detectors.
Versatile Upgrade Path
- Future-proofing investments: Users can seamlessly upgrade the current equipment, starting from a BioQuantum K2®, all the way to the BioContinuum HD with EELS and EFTEM acquisition.
The Efficient Frontier of Resolution: Comparison between the resolution and molecule size for published single-particle cryo-EM structures. Image Credit: Gatan, Inc.
Why is frame rate important for motion correction in cryo-EM?
Dose Fractionation: Frame rate helps with better motion correction when imaging in cryo-electron microscopy. This video showcases the difference between a high frame rate and an exceptionally fast frame rate. The resulting image is clearer and more defined. Video Credit: Gatan, Inc.
Direct Electron Counting
Electron counting: Explains the principle behind electron counting and how it enables the K3 camera to deliver the highest-resolution results for single particle cryo-electron microscopy. Video Credit: Gatan, Inc.