Re: Biopsy imaging/holding tools

Posted by ChrisWilms on
URL: http://confocal-microscopy-list.275.s1.nabble.com/Biopsy-imaging-holding-tools-tp7580163p7580166.html

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When imaging brain slices, we commonly use a so-called grid: a piece of platinum wire is flattened and bent into a U shape large enough to easily surround your sample. Next very thin threads from nylon stockings (the single filaments!) are glued onto this frame, taking care that the glue is on the outer sides of the frame, so that the frame and the filaments themselves can rest on the bottom of the imaging chamber. Also make sure that the threads are under tension. This grid (or "harp") gets placed on top of your sample. Obviously, if the sample is fairly thick ( > 300 microns), you might want to have less tension on the filaments.

Some people also use small (5 - 10 mm long) pieces of silver or platinum wire to weigh down the sample.

Hope that helps,

Chris

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> Dear all,
>
>
>
> In the process of imaging small (2-4 mm) tissue biopsies under a confocal
> microscope with a water-immersion objective, we have had problems holding
> the tissue sample down to avoid flotation in water. We have tried using
> tweezers with a clip to hold them but are afraid that may damage the biopsy
> in some instances, and is not always possible for irregular shaped samples.
> Can anyone provide suggestions as to how this problem can be solved either
> with a commercial or a custom method?
>
>
>
> Thanks so much,
>
> Bilal Malik
>
>
>