Epoxy embedding

Yano S, Kashima K, Daa T, et al. An antigen retrieval method using an alkaline solution allows immunoelectron microscopic identification of secretory granules in conventional epoxy-embedded tissue sections. /. Histochem. Cytochem. 2003 51 199-204. 

If samples have to be sectioned, for transmission experiments the type of embedding medium is important. Epoxy embedding media traditionally used in soil or sediment investigations (Tippkotter and Ritz, 1996) contain carbon and nitrogen... 

Spurr AR (1969) A low-viscosity epoxy embedding medium for electron microscopy J Ultrastruct Res 26 31-43... 

Tri(dimethyl-aminomethyl)phenol (DMP-30) Antioxidant, epoxy embedding medium, accelerator 0.1% Pet 90-72-2 C15H27N3O... 

Comparison of DSC melting endotherms of (a) unconstrained and (b) epoxy embedded PE-fibres, heating rate 10 C mln ... 

PTA is known to react with monomer epoxy resins which extract the stain [93], precluding its use prior to epoxy embedding. Therefore, PTA stained material is usually either embedded in glycol methacrylate or polyester resins, or sec-... 

Cellulose nitrate and cellulose acetate (CA) were among the first asymmetric, reverse osmosis membranes to be produced [150]. Plummer et al [1511 described 13 specimen preparation methods for the observation of CA membrane structures. They pointed out the lack of contrast in epoxy embedded sections and that one of the best stains, osmium tetroxide, reacts with the... 

Liquid polymers can be chemically crosslinked to form thermosets. Materials in this category include epoxies, embedding compounds, coating materials, urethanes, silicone polymers, and others. Due to the inherently low viscosity of liquid polymers, they are compounded using a variety of mixing systems, including high shear devices. 

PTA is known to react with monomer epoxy resins which extract the stain [73], precluding its use prior to epoxy embedding. Therefore, PTA stained material is usually either embedded in glycol methacrylate or polyester resins, or sections are post-stained in cured epoxies. PTA penetration is slow and about 100 pm penetration into a block of material can be expected. Sections on grids are immersed into the solution or placed on a droplet. Pretreatment in absolute ethanol increases exposure to the stain. Martinez-Salazar and Cannon [136] reported a new method of PTA staining of nylon 6 and nylon 6,6 using 2% PTA and 2% benzyl alcohol. Thin films on a specimen grid were floated on a drop of the mixed solution for 10 min and then washed in water several times. 

Cellulose nitrate and cellulose acetate (CA) were among the first asymmetric, reverse osmosis membranes to be produced [121]. Plummer et al. [122] described 13 specimen preparation methods for observation of CA membrane structures. They pointed out the lack of contrast in epoxy embedded sections and that one of the best stains, osmium tetroxide, reacts with the polymer. Freeze fractured membranes were found by these authors to be of questionable value. In our experience, if care is taken, SEM study of fractured membranes can provide an informative view of the structure even though some structures collapse, and their sizes cannot be accurately determined. A method found acceptable was ultrathin sectioning of gelatin embedded wet membranes (TEM). The structure of CA membranes was shown by replication [123] and SEM [124]. 

D Amico, F. A polychromatic staining method for epoxy embedded tissue a new combination of methylene blue and basic fuchsine for light microscopy. Biotech. Histochem. 2005,80,207-210. 

Sievers, J. Basic two-dye stains for epoxy-embedded 0.3-1 p sections. Stain Technol. 1971, 46, 195-199. 

Fig. 16 (a) Evolution of the size-exclusion chromatograms with monomer conversion (SEC THE, PS calibration) showing the good control of the polymerization, (b) TEM image of an ultrathin cross-section of epoxy-embedded Laponite/PS composite latex particles synthesized by macroRAFT-mediated ah initio emulsion polymerization of styrene. Reproduced from [94] with permission from the Royal Society of Chemistry... 

IT For epoxy embedding, e.g., using Epon or Epon-Araldite, warm to room temperature, rinse, infiltrate, and embed as usual (see steps 7-8, Protocol 14.4). 

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