Shuimu BioSciences has established itself as a significant player in the field of structural biology, particularly excelling in the use of cryo-EM and MicroED to determine high-resolution structures. While the sources don't provide explicit details on the number of MicroED structures solved by Shuimu, they do highlight the company's broader success in related areas and their capabilities in producing high-quality structures using cryo-electron microscopy techniques. This article explores Shuimu’s achievements and how they leverage MicroED and other technologies to advance scientific research and drug discovery.

Shuimu’s Achievements in Structural Biology

Shuimu BioSciences has a proven track record in structural biology, demonstrated through various achievements:

• Cryo-EM Single Particle Analysis (SPA): Shuimu has successfully completed over 200 SPA projects, achieving resolutions as high as 1.8Å. This indicates a high level of expertise and capability in determining complex biomolecular structures.
• High-Resolution Structures: They have determined more than 150 protein structures at resolutions better than 3.5Å, with the best resolution reaching 1.5Å. This demonstrates Shuimu's commitment to precision and accuracy in structural determination, utilizing advanced cryo-EM techniques.
• Diverse Project Portfolio: Shuimu has completed over 300 single particle projects, showing their proficiency in addressing diverse structural challenges, ranging from membrane proteins to antigen-antibody complexes.
• Small Protein Analysis: Shuimu has accomplished the structural elucidation of proteins as small as 51kDa, showcasing their expertise in handling a wide range of molecular sizes.
• Client Base: Shuimu has provided services to over 400 clients since 2017, including innovative pharmaceutical companies and top research institutions globally, underscoring their reputation in the field.

Leveraging MicroED and Cryo-EM

While the sources don't specify the exact number of MicroED structures solved by Shuimu, it is clear that the company leverages this technique in conjunction with cryo-EM to achieve high-quality results.

• Complementary Techniques: MicroED is used to determine the atomic structure of small crystals, which complements cryo-EM’s ability to image larger molecules in their native state [previous conversation]. This combination of techniques allows for the study of a wide range of biomolecular structures and their interactions [previous conversation].
• Advanced Cryo-EM Facility: Shuimu operates a state-of-the-art cryo-EM center with eight 300kV cryo-EM microscopes, which support MicroED experiments. This facility is equipped with advanced hardware and software for superior imaging quality, including a Falcon 4 camera, C-CFEG electron source, and Selectris X imaging filter.
• AI-Driven Platform: Shuimu uses its SMART software series to enhance the efficiency of the entire cryo-EM data analysis process, which is also applicable to MicroED data. This software generates models with superior resolution using fewer machine hours and data. The AI system NanoSMART automatically identifies nanoparticle features in images from various electron microscopes and generates comprehensive reports.
• GraFuture™ Grids: Shuimu utilizes GraFuture™ graphene grids, including graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (RGO) grids for sample preparation, which can improve sample quality and data collection in both cryo-EM and MicroED applications.

Shuimu's Impact on Research and Drug Discovery

Shuimu’s expertise in cryo-EM and MicroED, coupled with their advanced facilities, contributes significantly to:

• Drug Development: By providing precise high-resolution structures, Shuimu advances the understanding of drug-target interactions. The structural data obtained through MicroED assists in structure-based drug design, leading to the development of more effective and selective drugs [previous conversation].
• Protein Structure Analysis: The use of cryo-EM and MicroED allows for the detailed analysis of protein structures, including membrane proteins and large protein complexes, which are often challenging to study. Shuimu's experience in this area makes them a valuable partner for researchers.
• Understanding Biological Mechanisms: Shuimu's work has contributed to the understanding of crucial biological mechanisms such as the plant plastid-encoded RNA polymerase (PEP) complex.
• Supporting Young Scientists: Shuimu supports young scientists through their Young Scientist Cryo-EM Research Support Program (YSSP), providing access to their facilities and technologies, which promotes innovation in structural biology.