Frequently Asked Questions About Graphene TEM Grids for Cryo-EM

Find answers to common questions about Atomface monolayer graphene TEM grids, Cryo-EM sample preparation, glow discharge conditions, and graphene grid applications in structural biology research.

Product

What is a monolayer graphene TEM grid?

A monolayer graphene TEM grid is a TEM grid coated with a single layer of graphene (~0.34 nm thick). It provides an ultra-thin, low-background support layer for Cryo-EM sample preparation and high-resolution structural analysis.

Why use graphene TEM grids for Cryo-EM?

Graphene TEM grids can improve particle distribution, reduce air-water interface effects, lower sample consumption, and provide a cleaner support surface for high-resolution Cryo-EM imaging.

What is the difference between graphene and graphene oxide grids?

Monolayer graphene is a pristine carbon layer with excellent conductivity and ultra-low background, while graphene oxide contains oxygen functional groups and has different surface properties. Graphene grids are often preferred for high-resolution Cryo-EM applications.

What proteins are suitable for graphene grids?

Graphene TEM grids are suitable for various biological samples, including membrane proteins, soluble proteins, protein complexes, viruses, and nucleic acid-protein complexes. They are especially useful for challenging samples with low particle density or preferred orientation issues.

What is the graphene coverage of Atomface grids?

Atomface graphene TEM grids are manufactured with controlled graphene transfer processes to ensure reliable coverage and consistent performance. Please contact us for detailed specifications and product information.

Sample Preparation

Do graphene grids require glow discharge?

Yes. Graphene grids usually require glow discharge or plasma treatment before Cryo-EM sample preparation to improve surface wettability and sample distribution. The optimal conditions depend on the sample type and workflow.

What glow discharge parameters are recommended?

For commonly used plasma cleaners such as PELCO easiGlow, a typical starting condition for graphene TEM grids is:

Vacuum pressure: ~0.39 mbar

Current: 15 mA

Glow time: 5–20 seconds: soluble proteins 5 s, membrane proteins10–15 s, large complexes / viruses 10–15 s

Hold time: 5-30 seconds

For soluble proteins or sensitive samples, shorter glow times (around 5 seconds) may help maintain graphene surface properties. The optimal conditions should be adjusted based on sample type, buffer composition, and particle distribution.

How can I improve particle distribution on graphene grids?

Particle distribution can be improved by optimizing sample concentration, glow discharge conditions, buffer composition, and vitrification parameters. Graphene grids may help enhance particle adsorption and achieve more uniform distribution.

Why don't my particles enter the holes?

Limited particle penetration may result from sample properties, surface treatment conditions, concentration, or aggregation. Optimization of glow discharge, sample preparation conditions, and blotting parameters is recommended.

How can graphene grids reduce air-water interface effects?

During Cryo-EM preparation, proteins may interact with the air-water interface and experience structural changes or preferred orientation. The graphene layer provides an alternative support surface that can help preserve sample integrity.

Can graphene grids be used with standard Cryo-EM workflows?

Yes. Atomface graphene TEM grids are compatible with standard Cryo-EM workflows, including commonly used plunge freezing systems such as Vitrobot.

Ordering

What products does Atomface offer?

Atomface provides monolayer graphene TEM grids for Cryo-EM applications, as well as graphene grid transfer services, plasma cleaner/glow discharge equipment, and other 2D material solutions for research applications.

How many grids are included in each box?

Atomface graphene TEM grids are available in different package options, including 20 grids/box, 50 grids/box, and 100 grids/box.
Small package promotions, such as 4 grids/box, may be available periodically. Custom packaging quantities can also be provided upon request.

Can I request free evaluation samples?

Yes. Researchers who have not previously tested Atomface graphene TEM grids and have a strong potential for continuous usage may be eligible to receive free evaluation samples. Please contact us with your research information and application requirements.

Which Quantifoil types are available?

Atomface graphene TEM grids are currently available based on commonly used Quantifoil® holey carbon support formats, including:

R1.2/1.3 holey carbon grids
- Gold 300 mesh
- Gold 200 mesh
- Gold 400 mesh
R2/1 holey carbon grids
- Gold 300 mesh

Other grid types, mesh materials, and customized graphene transfer solutions are also available upon request.

How should graphene grids be stored?

Graphene TEM grids should be stored in a dry, sealed, and light-protected environment to maintain surface quality and performance.

Under proper storage conditions, Atomface graphene grids can be stored for up to one year. However, for optimal Cryo-EM performance and experimental consistency, we recommend using the grids within six months after delivery.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. Atomface provides worldwide shipping services and supports researchers, universities, institutes, and companies globally.

What is the delivery time?

The typical delivery time is approximately 5–20 days, depending on the destination and shipping method. Orders are mainly shipped through reliable international carriers such as DHL, FedEx, and UPS.

How can I request a quotation?

you can contact us by email at qulm@bgi-graphene.com, add our WhatsApp: +86-15050597133, or submit your requirements through the Contact Us page on our website.

Please provide your product requirements, quantity, and application information so that we can recommend the most suitable solution and prepare a quotation.

Technical

What grid type should I choose?

The optimal graphene TEM grid depends on your sample type, particle size, concentration, and Cryo-EM requirements.

For most structural biology applications, including membrane proteins, soluble proteins, and large macromolecular complexes, graphene-covered holey carbon grids provide a reliable support surface for improved sample preparation.

Please contact Atomface for technical recommendations based on your specific application.

How can the presence and monolayer structure of graphene be confirmed using a 200 kV TEM?

Graphene lattice fringes can be observed in HRTEM images.
FFT analysis can reveal the characteristic hexagonal lattice pattern of graphene.

What are the recommended blotting parameters for Atomface graphene grids?

For Vitrobot users, the following parameters can be used as a starting condition for Atomface graphene TEM grids:

Blot time: 2–4 seconds
Blot force: 0
Blot total: 1 time
Temperature: 4°C (recommended for unstable samples)
Humidity: 100%

These parameters may require optimization depending on sample properties, concentration, buffer conditions, and ice thickness requirements.

Can graphene grids be reused?

No. Graphene TEM grids are designed for single-use Cryo-EM sample preparation.

Reusing grids may affect graphene surface cleanliness, sample adsorption behavior, and experimental reproducibility. For reliable Cryo-EM results, fresh grids are recommended for each experiment.