Cryo-Electron Microscopy Screening Automation Across Multiple Grids Using Smart Leginon

At the Simons Electron Microscopy Center, we aim to provide superb electron microscopy services, expertise, and training to local and national researchers, and to develop innovative methods to optimize workflows. Our scope covers service, development, machine learning, and biomedical research. We are trying to answer, how can we better optimize our services?

Machine learning is changing the field of electron microscopy. Data collection is becoming automated. Data analysis tools are rapidly becoming more efficient.

This includes denoising images, particle picking, 3G flexibility analysis, and model building. We regularly update software to account for different situations, such as different grid holes, tilted collection, or bugs identified through beta testing software in our production environment. We also integrate feedback from our users, so we are continuously providing features that are useful for them.

Smart Leginon addresses the labor-intensive and time-consuming tasks of screening one or more grids on a cryoTEM. It enables operators and researchers to more quickly screen and analyze grids, while freeing up time to optimize grid and sample conditions in parallel. This also reduces microscope time and cost.

Smart Leginon autoscreen offers fully unattended multigrid screening, which takes about 10 minutes to set up screening for 12 grids. Compared to manual screening, our protocol saves several hours per day. Since Smart Leginon's introduction, other free and commercial software has been developed for similar automation.