Scanning electron microscopy of freeze-dried aortic elastin

As part of a larger project aimed at claryfying some of the uncertainties that exist concerning the structural basis for an explanation of the mechanical behaviour of elastin, an examination was made of purified porcine aortic elastin under the scanning electron microscopy. In order to avoid structural changes caused by impregnation with organic solvents, specimens were prepared directly from their water-saturated state by either air-drying of freeze-drying processes. Comparison of the results obtained by these techniques demonstrates that freeze-drying of elastin has the advantage of enhancing fine detail, minimizing distortion and reducing specimen shrinkage.