BPS2026 – High-throughput fabrication of graphene-supported grids for cryo-EM sample preparation

Graphene is a highly promising support film for cryo-EM sample preparation, offering improved sample concentration and reduced ice thickness. However, reproducible fabrication of graphene-supported grids has remained a challenge, often making the process time-consuming. Here, we present a high-throughput approach to reliably produce graphene grids at scale using commercially available graphene. Electron diffraction confirmed substantial grid coverage with predominantly monolayer graphene. This method consistently yielded thin ice layers (∼10 nm) with low background contrast, making it well-suited for studying small and challenging protein complexes. By streamlining grid production, our approach enables more efficient cryo-EM sample preparation and supports broader advancements in structural biology research.