Novel choices for formulating embedding media kits

José A. Mascorro

doi:10.1117/12.821821

22 May 2009 Novel choices for formulating embedding media kits

José A. Mascorro

Proceedings Volume 7378, Scanning Microscopy 2009; 73780F (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.821821
Event: SPIE Scanning Microscopy, 2009, Monterey, California, United States

Abstract

This work examined the Flow Rate, Average Flow Rate, Volume Flow Rate, and Viscosity of Epon 812, Dodecynyl Succinic Anhydride (DDSA), Nadic Methyl Anhydride (NMA), and 2,4,6- Tri(dimethylaminomethyl)phenol (DMP-30), the components traditionally offered in "kit" form for preparing epoxy embedding media utilized in biological electron microscopy. Other components not used in kit formulas, including Nonenyl Succinic Anhydride (NSA), the catalysts Benzyldimethylamine (BDMA) and Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE), and several Epon 812-like epoxy resins (Embed 812, Pelco Medcast, LX 112, Polybed 812, Scipoxy 812, Eponate 12) also were similarly tested and compared with regard to physical and handling character to the kit ingredients. NSA, BDMA, and DMAE were significantly less viscous than the DDSA and DMP-30 counterparts from the kit formula. Embedding media were prepared utilizing Embed 812 and LX 112 in combination with different anhydrides and catalysts. Substituting less viscous NSA (in place of DDSA) and BDMA (in place of DMP-30) produced embedding media that were appreciably more fluid and less viscous. A "novel" mix of Embed 812/NSA/NMA/BDMA, for example, possessed a viscosity of 22.5 centipoises (cP) 60 minutes after initial mixing, as compared to a viscosity of 30.0 cP when the media was catalyzed with the more traditional DMP-30 catalyst. All novel combinations not using the original kit ingredients showed improvement in flow rate and fluidity, some more than others. This information suggests that microscopists are not bound to kit formulas, as they easily can prepare embedding media with specific characteristics to suit specific needs simply by altering the basic components that go into the makeup of the embedding medium.

Citation Download Citation

José A. Mascorro "Novel choices for formulating embedding media kits", Proc. SPIE 7378, Scanning Microscopy 2009, 73780F (22 May 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.821821

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KEYWORDS

Epoxies

Tissues

Microfluidics

Electron microscopy

Oxides

Microscopy

Polymerization

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