# Stanford-SLAC CryoET Specimen Preparation Service Center (SCSC)

> **NIH NIH U24** · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $926,621

## Abstract

Project Summary
 In response to the NIH RFA-RM-19-009, we propose to establish the Stanford-SLAC
CryoET Specimen Preparation Service Center (SCSC) to accomplish four specific aims: (1)
establish a platform, which is available to the scientific community at large, to streamline the
preparation of samples suitable for downstream cryogenic electron tomography (cryoET) data
collection; (2) provide access to advanced cryo-specimen preparation techniques for a wide
range of samples: macromolecular complexes, microcrystals of biological materials, cell
lysates, organelles, cells and tissues; (3) generate a training curriculum for new users on the
preparation of frozen, hydrated biological specimens, with the option of carrying out correlative
cryo-fluorescence light microscopy (cryoFLM), cryo-focused ion beam scanning electron
microscopy (cryoFIB), and cryoET; and (4) adopt new methods for sample preparation using
innovative technologies developed elsewhere. In this proposal, we will leverage our existing
facilities and in-house expertise in each of the following imaging modalities and their integration
into a correlated sample preparation workflow: cryoFLM, cryoFIB, and cryoET. We will establish
all the necessary equipment dedicated to the proposed service and training activities. We will
prepare video curriculum materials to train new users in the aforementioned protocols. We will
adapt our existing infrastructure to manage project administration and resource allocations.
Administrative support is in place to help users with lodging arrangements, as well as laboratory
on-boarding and specimen biosafety approvals. We have a well set- up communication
infrastructure for remote users to participate in actual experiments, particularly for cryoFLM,
cryoFIB, and cryoET. We will provide access to existing Titan Krios microscopes to evaluate
whether the prepared samples are ready for data collection in the associated Hub, which will
be set up at another institution with separate NIH support. We will make our existing Stanford-
SLAC cryo-specimen preparation equipment available on a limited basis immediately after this
proposal is funded. We anticipate serving ~40 users per year once the Center is fully
operational in early Year 2 of the award period. We will also offer regular hands- on workshops
to train ~10-12 new users per year. We will disseminate our resources to the broad community
via a web portal and booths at professional societies’ annual conferences. The number of users
will increase in subsequent years as we and our recurring users optimize the use of the Center’s
resources. In Years 3-6, we will work closely with collaborators pioneering advanced protocols
such as semi-automated and automated cryoFIB and “lift-out” for tissue samples to implement
them in the proposed Center. Lastly, we will assemble a Scientific Advisory Committee of
experts to guide the practices of our Service Center and the ongoing implementation of cutting-
edge technologies.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11115419
- **Project number:** 3U24GM139166-05S1
- **Recipient organization:** STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Wah Chiu
- **Activity code:** U24 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $926,621
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2020-09-16 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11115419

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11115419, Stanford-SLAC CryoET Specimen Preparation Service Center (SCSC) (3U24GM139166-05S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11115419. Licensed CC0.

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