High pressure freezing captures the intricate changes in fine structure or cellular dynamics.
High pressure freezing combined with light stimulation is the platform for your discoveries.
+ Synchronize freezing and stimulation to the millisecond to capture the moment that interests you most
+ Capture and resolve highly dynamic processes at a nanometer scale and millisecond time precision
+ Cryo-immobilize your aqueous samples under high pressure and uncover the world’s secrets
Currently cryo-fixation is the only way to fix cellular constituents without introducing significant structural alterations.
Why Light Stimulation?
Synchronizing light stimulation and high pressure freezing enables you to visualize highly dynamic processes or the structural changes of photosensitive samples at a nanometer resolution and millisecond precision. This opens new possibilities for researchers in life science and industry.
Apply light stimulation to any light sensitive compounds such as lotions, cosmetics, or food, and photoactivated samples such as proteins, or various biological samples
Push the limits of our understanding of highly dynamic processes, such as neurotransmission at the synapse
Left: Frozen Sunscreen Lotion, Prof. D. Pum, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria and C. Tomova, S. Mimietz-Oeckler, Leica Microsystems, Vienna, Austria | Right: Symmetric Synapse, Dr. Shuwen Chang, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
Why Leica EM ICE?
Because it is the only tool that can capture dynamic phenomena on a millisecond scale
Because it is the only high pressure freezer with fully integrated light stimulation
Because its capabilities open new possibilities for researchers in life science and industry
Because it is the only high pressure freezer that allows freezing of 9 subsequent samples
Because it is the only high pressure freezer that gives you the highest comfort of operation
Choose Leica EM ICE; because it is your platform for game-changing discoveries in your field. New tools, new insights.
Five Colors
You can stimulate your samples using 5 LED modules with different wavelengths: blue, UV, green, red, and amber.
Benefit from full integration of light stimulation for precise correlation between the light impulse, i.e. the stimulus and the time of freezing
Connect the LED modules to the instrument with one click only. Each module has a different wavelength and is automatically recognized by the software and recorder in the log file
Light Modules available and wavelength
Blue: 450 Lambda
UV: 380 Lambda
Green: 523 Lambda
Red: 660 Lambda
Amber: 597 Lambda
Focus on Your Sample
You can load the sample in Leica EM ICE with one move.
When you close the cover of the loading station, you trigger the perfectly aligned sequence of the cartridge assembly and the freezing process
No additional actions are needed: the loading and freezing process are fully automated
You can observe and manipulate the sample one second before it is actually frozen
Efficiency Included
You can work fast and efficiently with the Leica EM ICE.
Recovery between freezing cycles is one minute only – no waiting necessary
The sample storage Dewar is refilled automatically with LN2 – no maintenance necessary
Use 3 positions with capacity for up to 3 different samples
Perform up to 9 consecutive freezing cycles
Choose the number of samples per position with programmed rotation and differentiate between samples and conditions
The LN2 Dewar is drained automatically – no action necessary
Flexible & Ready For Upgrade
The Leica EM ICE gives you the flexibility you need for your research.
Define your microscope configuration (Leica S6 E or Leica M80) and environmental control (loading station, table and chamber temperature control)
Retrofit the instrument with light stimulation mode any time
Upgrade to environmental settings (table heating and/or environmental chamber) also at any time you need it
All upgrades (light stimulation module and environmental settings) can be performed directly in your lab by the Leica Microsystems Service Team. You do not need to return the instrument to the factory.
Environmental Responsibility
Our electron microscopy sample preparation systems not only meet highest technical and ergonomic demands , but are also designed to have minimal environmental impact.
What does this mean for the Leica EM ICE?
LN2 consumption per day, including cooling down, is only 30 liters. This is approx. 65 % less than in previous models
LN2 consumption during cooling down has been reduced by approx. 70 % in comparison to its predecessors
No alcohol or other fluids for synchronization of pressure and cooling necessary
The Leica EM ICE comes in sustainable packing: a multiple-use box with integrated access ramp that we use for transportation within the factory as well as shipping to customers. This packaging was awarded the Austrian State Prize “Smart Packaging” November 2014.
Last, But not Least
The team that developed the Leica EM ICE has a total of 145 years experience in EM sample preparation and works closely together sharing one vision: To provide you with the perfect instrument for your work!
