Cryo-EM with the Volta phase plate

Danev, R. & Baumeister, W. eLife http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.13046 (2016).

Recent technology developments are enabling researchers to solve more and more challenging macromolecular structures at near-atomic resolution using cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). One advance has been the introduction of an improved phase plate, the Volta phase plate, which enhances image contrast and allows in-focus data collection, thereby increasing signal-to-noise ratio. Danev and Baumeister recently showcased the advantages of the new Volta phase plate by using it in determining the structure of the Thermoplasma acidophilum 20S proteasome structure at 3.2-Å resolution. The Volta phase plate solves most technical problems with previous phase plates. Notably, precise centering of the electron beam is not required; a phase shift can be created on the fly at any place on the phase plate, which enables automated data collection, a real practical boon for the cryo-EM field.