The current invention relates to an improved microfluidic device for
protein /
protein complex purification, as well as an associated methodology and
system.In particular it relates to systems and methods for
electron microscopy, preferably cryogenic
electron microscopy (cryo-EM), on
protein samples, comprising: a. at least one
microfluidic chip with inlet and outlet and purification device; b. at least one illumination means and detection means for, preferably
fluorescence, measurements on the
microfluidic chip; c. a pumping
system adapted for operable connection to the
microfluidic chip, and configured for controlling flow in the operably connected microfluidic
chip; d. a
microscopy grid, preferably a cryogenic
electron microscopy (cryo-EM) grid, for holding fluid samples; e. preferably a cryogenic container, for a cryogenic
coolant; f. preferably a
transport system for moving the cryo-EM grid between a position for receiving a fluid sample from the microfluidic
chip and the cryogenic container; g. a
control system, preferably a processor, which receives information on the measurements from the detection means, configured for controlling the pumping
system at least based on said information, and further configured for controlling the illumination and detection means and preferably also for controlling the
transport system.