Cutting-edge structural biology techniques like MicroED and cryo-EM are vital for advancements in drug discovery and our understanding of biological mechanisms. However, the cost associated with these technologies can be a significant barrier for many researchers. Shuimu Biosciences is working to address this challenge by implementing several strategies to make high-quality cryo-EM and MicroED analysis more accessible and affordable.

Strategic Support Programs:

• Young Scientist Cryo-EM Research Support Program (YSSP): Shuimu's YSSP is a significant initiative aimed at supporting young scientists by providing access to their advanced cryo-EM facilities. The program selects promising projects and provides various forms of support, which helps to reduce costs for researchers.
• Free Initial Assessments: For selected projects, Shuimu offers free initial assessments, including negative staining, sample preparation, and grid screening on a 300kV cryo-EM microscope. This initial step helps to determine the feasibility of the project without incurring significant upfront costs.
• Research Funding: Depending on the progress of the selected projects, Shuimu may offer substantial research funding support for cryo-EM SPA, potentially covering 50% to 100% of the costs for outstanding projects. This financial support can significantly reduce the overall expense of cryo-EM analysis.

Technological and Operational Efficiencies:

• Advanced Cryo-EM Facilities: Shuimu operates a state-of-the-art cryo-EM center with multiple 300kV cryo-EM microscopes. These advanced facilities enable high-throughput data collection, reducing the time and cost per project.
• AI-Driven Platform: Shuimu utilizes its proprietary SMART software series to enhance the efficiency of the cryo-EM data analysis process. This AI-driven approach can generate high-resolution models using fewer machine hours and less data, leading to cost savings for clients. The NanoSMART system, for example, automates nanoparticle feature identification and report generation.
• Optimized Sample Preparation: The use of GraFuture™ graphene grids series helps to overcome sample preparation challenges, improving data quality and potentially reducing the need for extensive repeat experiments.
• 24/7 Service: Shuimu provides 24/7 service with a robust appointment system, aiming to respond to appointment requests within 24 hours, which allows scheduling data collection within as little as 3 days. This quick turnaround time can save valuable time and resources for researchers.

Focus on High-Quality Results:

• Expert Team: Shuimu's team of experienced Ph.D. scientists from top institutions provides expert guidance in structural biology, protein science, and computation. Their expertise ensures high-quality data and accurate results, which minimizes the need for repeated experiments.
• Rigorous Quality Control: Shuimu implements rigorous quality control measures, including cryo-EM analysis and characterization, to ensure samples meet R&D requirements. This commitment to quality minimizes potential errors and saves researchers from having to invest further resources due to data issues.
• High-Resolution Structures: Shuimu has a proven track record of solving protein structures at high resolutions, including structures at resolutions better than 3.5Å, with the best at 1.8Å. This achievement demonstrates their ability to provide high-quality results that meet demanding research requirements.

Transparent and Flexible Collaboration:

• Project Consultation: Shuimu offers project consultations to discuss specific requirements, challenges, and goals, ensuring that the chosen method aligns with the research objectives. This consultative approach prevents unnecessary spending on unsuitable methods.
• Flexible Scale-Up: Shuimu offers flexible scale-up protein production, with competitive pricing and fast turnaround time to accommodate various needs. This adaptability helps researchers manage budgets and project timelines effectively.

Conclusion:

Shuimu employs a multi-faceted strategy to make high-quality MicroED and cryo-EM analysis more affordable for researchers. By combining strategic support programs, advanced technology, operational efficiencies, and a focus on delivering high-quality results, Shuimu is helping to democratize access to these critical techniques, enabling researchers to push the boundaries of structural biology and drug discovery. By offering free initial assessments, research funding, and leveraging advanced technology, Shuimu is effectively reducing the financial burden of these advanced analyses.