Microsecond melting and revitrification of cryo samples

Abstract

The dynamics of proteins that are associated with their function typically occur on the microsecond timescale, orders of magnitude faster than the time resolution of cryo-electron microscopy. We have recently introduced a novel approach to time-resolved cryo-electron microscopy that affords microsecond time resolution. It involves melting a cryo sample with a heating laser, so as to allow dynamics of the proteins to briefly occur in the liquid phase. When the laser is turned off, the sample rapidly revitrifies, trapping the particles in their transient configurations. Precise control of the temperature evolution of the sample is crucial for such an approach to succeed. Here, we provide a detailed characterization of the heat transfer occurring under laser irradiation as well as the associated phase behavior of the cryo sample. While areas close to the laser focus undergo melting and revitrification, surrounding regions crystallize. In situ observations of these phase changes therefore provide a convenient approach for assessing the temperature reached in each melting and revitrification experiment and for adjusting the heating laser power on the fly.