Researchers have developed a novel microfluidic system designed to streamline the process of protein structure determination using cryo-electron microscopy. This technology, known as the MISO instrument, integrates sample purification and grid preparation onto a single chip, significantly reducing the amount of biological material required. By utilizing this workflow, the team successfully mapped the atomic structure of β-galactosidase starting from just a single bacterial colony. The study also demonstrates the system's versatility by resolving the structures of various membrane proteins, including the chloride channel btTMEM206 and the lipid scramblase mTMEM16F. Technical details within the text explain the fabrication of PDMS chips and the implementation of automated cryo-plunging modules to ensure high-resolution results. Ultimately, this advancement offers a more efficient alternative to conventional methods that typically demand large volumes of cell culture.

References:

• Eluru G, De Gieter S, Schenck S, et al. MISO: microfluidic protein isolation enables single-particle cryo-EM structure determination from a single cell colony[J]. Nature methods, 2025: 1-11.