Features and Functionality
easiGlow comes with a factory-installed ‘Auto Run’ program that is suitable for standard applications requiring a hydrophilic film. Additionally, users can create up to four custom protocols tailored to specific applications. These protocols can be stored, ensuring consistent and repeatable glow discharge results.
Choose the optimal operational mode for your application quickly and easily, easiGlow can be fully controlled through an intuitive touchscreen interface which offers three modes: auto, programmed, and manual.
A complete easiGlow system can be supplied, including a vacuum pump, or users can integrate it with an existing pumping system that meets the required specifications and fits the easiGlow vacuum port (a KF16 flange vacuum inlet). With two independent gas ports, the system allows the creation of protocols using two different gases for the glow discharge cycle and for venting the chamber after the cycle ends.
Applications in Electron Microscopy (EM)
Glow discharge treatment with the easiGlow modifies the carbon film surface to become evenly spread hydrophilic (negatively charged), allowing aqueous solutions to spread easily and cover the entire TEM grid, thus preventing agglomeration. Furthermore, glow discharge treatment cleans TEM grids by removing adsorbed low molecular weight water.
For special applications, such as DNA analysis, the easiGlow can also be adjusted to make the carbon film positively charged.
How does the easiGlow work?
The easiGlow operates by generating a glow discharge, which is a type of plasma consisting of electrons and ions. This plasma is created inside a vacuum chamber by applying a high DC voltage between two electrodes. The system uses air, other gases, or a small quantity of liquid that sublimates under vacuum as a source of ions. The electronics within the easiGlow automatically control the voltage and the polarity of the electrodes to maintain a stable discharge current and to deposit the desired ions onto the carbon film, resulting in an overall positive or negative charge. After the carbon film treatment, a controlled flow of air is released into the specimen chamber to avoid displacing the grids inside.
Operation and Efficiency
The easiGlow's operation is fully automated, managed from the touchscreen display. Once the TEM grids are loaded into the vacuum chamber, the selected program controls the vacuum pump, initiates the glow discharge process, and manages the flushing cycle. For routine grid preparation, the entire process takes less than two minutes.
Dual Treatment Capabilities
For laboratories requiring both hydrophilic and hydrophobic surface treatments, a dual easiGlow configuration is available. This setup prevents cross-contamination of glow discharge chambers and is particularly useful when both types of surface treatments are regularly needed. Using two standalone easiGlow systems avoids contaminating the chamber and pumping system with substances like amylamine, which is used in hydrophobic treatments.
Supported Glow Discharge Methods
The easiGlow supports various glow discharge methods with both positive and negative charges, catering to different applications:
| Surface state | Charge | Treatment | Typical applications |
| Hydrophilic | Negative | Air | Carbon-coated TEM grids |
| Hydrophilic | Positive | Air with magnesium acetate | Nucleic acid adhesion to carbon films |
| Hydrophobic | Positive | Amylamine (Pentylamine) | Proteins, antibodies, and nucleic acids |
| Hydrophobic | Negative | Methanol | Positively charged protein molecules (e.g., ferritin, cytochrome c) |
Applications and Demonstrations
The easiGlow is widely used in Cryo-EM and single particle analysis, as well as in applications requiring hydrophilic carbon films on TEM grids, such as the analysis of emulsions. For DNA analysis, the system can provide hydrophilic films with a positive charge using post-treatment with magnesium acetate or amylamine for a hydrophobic positive charge.
The easiGlow Glow Discharge Cleaning System offers a highly efficient, versatile, and user-friendly solution for modifying the wettability and cleaning of TEM grids, making it an essential tool in electron microscopy.
For more information or to book a demonstration, please contact your Regional Account Manager or contact us at [email protected].
