SINGLE-PARTICLE
Cryo-Electron Microscopy

Structural insight for large and dynamic molecular systems.

Cryo-electron microscopy enables structural analysis of protein complexes, membrane proteins and macromolecular assemblies in near-native conditions. It is particularly valuable for questions involving conformational states, complex architecture, flexibility or interactions within larger molecular systems.

At BIMOVIS, Cryo-EM services can be leveraged as a standalone or complementary structural biology approach, guided by the scientific question, sample properties and the type of structural information needed for the project.

Conformational states, complex architecture and binding sites in near-native conditions.

Cryo-EM can reveal how macromolecular complexes are organized, how they move between functional states and how interaction partners, ligands or antibodies engage with a target. Because samples are vitrified rather than crystallized, the method is well suited for systems where flexibility, heterogeneity or native-like assembly is part of the biological question.

For drug discovery, protein engineering and biologics research, cryo-EM can provide structural context for mechanism-of-action studies, antibody characterization, structure-based drug design and validation of AI-generated structure models. The level of detail depends on sample quality, particle behavior and achievable resolution, which is why early assessment and expert interpretation are central to the workflow.

3D structures of large protein complexes and macromolecular assemblies
Conformational states, domain movements and functional transitions
Membrane protein structures in detergent, nanodisc or lipid-based environments
Antibody-antigen, protein-ligand or protein-protein interaction sites, where resolution supports interpretation
Structural context for drug discovery, protein engineering and AI model validation

How we work.

Scientific scoping & sample context

We discuss the target, project question and available material to define whether cryo-EM is the right structural biology approach.

Sample quality assessment

We assess concentration, purity, homogeneity, stability and complex formation before moving into grid preparation.

Grid preparation & screening

Samples are vitrified and screened to evaluate ice quality, particle distribution, preferred orientation, aggregation and contrast.

Data collection

Suitable grids are selected for high-resolution cryo-EM data collection, with acquisition parameters adapted to the sample and project goal.

Image processing & 3D reconstruction

Particles are selected, classified and refined to reconstruct density maps and resolve relevant structural states.

Model building, validation & interpretation

We support model building, structure validation and interpretation of the results in the context of the scientific question.

Scientific scoping & sample context

We discuss the target, project question and available material to define whether cryo-EM is the right structural biology approach.

Sample quality assessment

We assess concentration, purity, homogeneity, stability and complex formation before moving into grid preparation.

Grid preparation & screening

Samples are vitrified and screened to evaluate ice quality, particle distribution, preferred orientation, aggregation and contrast.

Data collection

Suitable grids are selected for high-resolution cryo-EM data collection, with acquisition parameters adapted to the sample and project goal.

Image processing & 3D reconstruction

Particles are selected, classified and refined to reconstruct density maps and resolve relevant structural states.

Model building, validation & interpretation

We support model building, structure validation and interpretation of the results in the context of the scientific question.

Where this service applies.

Cryo-EM supports structural questions where complex architecture, conformational states or near-native sample conditions are important.

Structure-Based Drug Design

Early evaluation of target complexes or structural biology readiness before committing to high-resolution workflows.

AI Structure Model Validation

Experimental context for whether the expected complex, assembly or particle state is present in the sample.

Antibody Epitope Mapping

Screening of antibody-antigen complexes before more detailed structural analysis by cryo-EM or crystallography.

Drug Delivery Vector Characterization

Early visual assessment of particles, vesicles or delivery-related systems where morphology and heterogeneity are relevant.

Protein Engineering

Insight into complex architecture, domain organization and structural features that can guide protein design or optimization.

Cryo-EM questions.

When is cryo-EM the right approach for my project?

Use cryo-EM when your questions involve large complexes, membrane proteins, shape change, or native-like assemblies. If flexibility, variety, or multi-part layout are central to the biology, or if you need to see binding sites for ligands, antibodies, or partners in near-native conditions, BIMOVIS cryo-EM services provide an effective solution. Our team helps determine whether cryo-EM is the right approach during Step 01.

What affects the level of detail I can expect?

The level of detail depends on sample quality, particle behavior, and data quality. Purity, evenness, stability, complex formation, ice quality, particle spread, and tuned acquisition settings all affect whether binding sites, shape states, or full layouts can be read well.

How does the workflow reduce risks like preferred orientation or variety?

Early grid screening checks ice thickness, particle spread, preferred orientation, clumping, and contrast, so changes can be made before large-scale data collection. Later image processing sorts particles and separates different states to build useful 3D maps.

Can cryo-EM services support drug discovery and AI-model work?

Yes. Cryo-EM gives structural context for mode-of-action studies, structure-based drug design, antibody analysis, and checks or updates for AI-made structural models. It can show ligand binding and epitope binding when resolution is good enough for interpretation.

What complementary services can strengthen a cryo-EM project?

BIMOVIS cryo-EM services are supported by complementary capabilities that improve sample quality, reduce project risk, and maximize structural insights. These include protein production and preparation for sample readiness, negative-stain EM for rapid pre-screening of particle quality and complex formation, and expert structural analysis and model validation to interpret results and evaluate AI-generated models.

Extend your project.

Protein Production & Purification

Expression, purification and optimization of protein samples for structural biology workflows.

Negative Stain Electron Microscopy

Fast early assessment of particle quality, complex formation and sample suitability before cryo-EM.

Structure Analysis & Model Validation

Expert interpretation, validation and analysis of experimental structures and AI-generated model

Go deeper in our Knowledge Hub.

Guides, protocols, and reference materials to support your structural biology projects — free to access.

SINGLE-PARTICLE Cryo-Electron Microscopy