A simple and cheap method for removing glass coverslips from neuronal cultures and relocating identified cells

A simple and cheap method is described for removing glass coverslips from neuronal cultures grown on collagen and embedded into Epoxy resins for electron microscopy. The method involves scoring the coverslip with a scalpel and rubbing an ice block over the scored coverslip. A thin film of water then runs between the glass and the resin, which expands during cooling and causes the coverslip to spring away. This method is superior to the application of liquid nitrogen, which often causes damage of the embedded tissue.