Hydra Bio Plasma-FIB delivers versatility

Thermo Scientific Hydra Bio Plasma-FIB is a versatile solution for multi-user life science environments addressing a wide range of sample types and experimental questions. PFIB technology allows higher throughput milling for consistent, high-quality data acquisition at room temperature or cryo conditions. A suite of cryo components is available to support current cryo lamella preparation workflows as well as cryo volume studies. The suite also helps protect frozen-hydrated samples from devitrification, ensuring that delicate biological cryo-samples are protected. In addition, CLEM workflows can be addressed by use of the optional integrated fluorescence light microscope delivering correlation with light microscopy data, ensuring ROIs are targeted and validated. 

Components of the Hydra Bio Plasma-FIB SEM

Cryo Package for high resolution serial PFIB imaging and cryo-lamellae

The Thermo Scientific Cryo Package includes a fully integrated 360° cryo-stage to maintain sample temperature below –170°C and a cryo-sample loading system to ensure that samples remain at cryo temperatures during transfer in and out of the instrument. In addition, an in-chamber, Integrated Micro-Sputter Coater with retractable target for homogeneous deposition of a conductive layer, is essential for cryo-samples and optimal lamella preparation.  

Contextual volume imaging of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii with the Hydra Bio Plasma FIB.

Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM)

Integrated fluorescence light microscope

The Thermo Scientific Integrated Fluorescence Light Microscope Correlative System (iFLM) is a widefield light microscope for cryo-correlative imaging. It enables fluorescence imaging and ion milling within the microscope where fluorescently labeled features in the samples can be identified directly inside the Hydra Bio PFIB high-vacuum chamber.

The Hydra Bio Plasma FIB includes an integrated fluorescence light microscope

Correlate light and electron microscopy imaging

The Integrated Fluorescence Light Microscope Correlative System (iFLM) allows samples to be imaged directly within the Hydra Bio PFIB, combining fluorescence and electron imaging. This saves time and reduces the risk of sample contamination by avoiding additional transfer steps from an external cryo-light microscope.

Representative data showing iFLM correlative microscopy system combing fluorescent imaging with PFIB SEM

iFLM Correlative Software Interface

The iFLM Correlative System features its own software interface for managing all functions of the fluorescence microscope and allowing seamless, iterative switching between electron and light microscope imaging positions. In combination with the Thermo Scientific Maps Software, the Integrated Fluorescence Light Microscope Correlative System data and the FIB-SEM data can be correlated for easy identification of features of interest and specific targeting.

iFLM correlative system user interface combines electron microscopy and light microscopy.

EasyLift Cryo Lift-Out System

Cryo-lift-out with fine control

The Thermo Scientific Easylift Cryo Lift-Out System is a solution for the preparation of cryo-TEM lamella of frozen hydrated samples at cryogenic temperatures (needle can be cooled below –165°C). This lift-out solution is optimized for workflows utilizing the dedicated shuttles. Operated by the user interface, it features positioning and fine control (50 nm step size), automated needle alignment, quick release cooling braids for quick needle exchange, low drift, and high temperature stability (+/-0.5 °C). 

EasyLift cryo lift out system for Hydra Bio Cryo Plasma FIB

FIB shuttles and consumables

A suite of shuttles and consumables are available, based on specimen format and application. This includes a Leica External CLEM shuttle, to support grid or common HPF specimen formats.

Cryo-FIB AutoGrid shuttle

Electron microscopy and tomography software

Auto Slice & View Software for FIB tomography

Thermo Scientific Auto Slice & View 5 Software allows for automated acquisition of high-resolution 3D images. It acquires data by milling serial sections and imaging each slice of a user-defined region of interest.

3D reconstruction of mouse brain tissue using Thermo Scientific Auto Slice & View Software

AutoTEM 5 Software for lamella preparation

Thermo Scientific AutoTEM 5 Cryo Software offers the highest level of automation and an intuitive user interface with hints and instructive graphics to simplify and shorten the lamella preparation time. 

Lamella preparation on the Hydra Bio Plasma FIB

Maps Software for array tomography and correlative electron microscopy

Thermo Scientific Maps Software is an imaging and correlative workflow software suite compatible with the full line of Thermo Scientific SEM, FIB SEM, and TEM platforms.

Automated acquisition of large microscopy images at high resolution

Amira Software

Powerful, multifaceted 2D–5D software for visualization, processing, and analysis. Thermo Scientific Amira Software delivers a comprehensive range of data visualization, processing, and analysis capabilities.

Thermo Scientific Amira Software

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

1x1 image pixel for data collection