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A new procedure for handling impervious biological specimens
1Electron Microscopy Consultants, Tucson, Arizona 85719.
Microscopy Research and Technique
|June 1, 1992
Summary
A new method improves biological specimen preparation for microscopy by using microwave irradiation and a special primer to prevent tissue pull-out from resin, enabling detailed ultrastructural study.
Area of Science:
- Biological sciences
- Microscopy techniques
- Materials science
Background:
- Preparing impervious biological specimens for light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) presents challenges.
- Specimen pull-out from embedding resin is a common issue, hindering ultrastructural analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an improved technique for preparing impervious biological specimens for LM and TEM.
- To address the problem of specimen pull-out during resin embedding.
Main Methods:
- Utilized microwave irradiation to expedite specimen fixation.
- Applied a priming technique using Z-6040 (gamma-glycidoxypropyl trimethoxysilane) on waxy or cuticular surfaces.
- Embedded various insect specimens and seeds for ultrastructural examination.
Main Results:
- The new technique successfully prevented specimen pull-out from the resin.
- Microwave irradiation facilitated efficient fixation.
- The priming method enhanced the bonding between specimen surfaces and embedding resin.
Conclusions:
- The developed technique offers a reliable method for preparing challenging biological specimens for high-resolution microscopy.
- This approach allows for successful ultrastructural studies of insect cuticles and seeds.
- The combination of microwave fixation and Z-6040 priming overcomes previous limitations in specimen preparation.