Biological macromolecules embedded in vitreous ice are known to
suffer from charging while being imaged in an electron transmission
cryomicroscope. We developed an electron beam coater that deposits
conductive films onto the surface of frozen-hydrated specimens. The
conductive films help to dissipate charge during electron irradiation
of poorly conductive ice-embedded biological samples. We observed
significant reduction in charging of ice-embedded catalase crystals
suspended over holes in a holey carbon film after coating them with a
30-Å-thick layer of an amorphous alloy,
Ti88Si12. Images of the crystals after coating
showed diffraction spots of up to 3 Å resolution.