Strategies for Automated CryoEM Data Collection Using Direct Detectors

Abstract

The new generation of direct electron detectors has been a major contributor to the recent resolution revolution in cryo-electron microscopy. Optimal use of these new cameras using automated data collection software is critical for high-throughput near-atomic resolution cryo-electron microscopy research. We present an overview of the practical aspects of automated data collection in the context of this new generation of direct detectors, highlighting the differences, challenges, and opportunities the new detectors provide compared to the previous generation of data acquisition media.

Keywords: Automated data acquisition; CryoEM; Data collection strategies; Direct detectors; Single particle methods; Throughput.