High-resolution and high-performance CCD camera for transmission electron microscopy

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I am using techniques of cryo-electron microscopy (cryoEM) and image analysis to investigate how macromolecular complexes perform specific functions in cells, and in particular, to understand the mechanisms of protein transport across cellular membranes. The ability to examine cellular components like proteins and other biological molecules at nano-scale detail is crucial to understanding how cells operate in health and disease. For my research, I have access to state-of-the-art cryo-scanning-transmission electron microscopes (cryo-S/TEMs) at McGill University; the FEI Tecnai G2 F20 200 kV cryo-S/TEM and the FEI Titan Krios 300 kV cryo-S/TEM acquired through a recent Canada Foundation for Innovation Grant. The investigation of specimens in these microscopes is labour intensive and expensive, therefore, I use the FEI Tecnai 12 120 kV TEM ('T12') to obtain high-resolution images of protein and organelle structures prepared by negative staining and Pt-C replicas. The T12 is, however, equipped with a low-resolution 1 megapixel CCD camera that is insufficient for the imaging of my specimens. The current application is to request funds to equip the T12 with a modern, high-resolution and high-performance 8 megapixel CCD camera that will enable me to record the full information present in the samples in order to determine the 3-D structures of isolated macromolecular assemblies. The new CCD camera will significantly increase the efficiency of data collection and improve training opportunities for highly qualified personnel and researchers.