Tissue preparation protocols embedding techniques

We report a simple and direct pre-embedding technique for processing scarce biological specimens for LM and EM the samples are pre-embedded in BSA and BA, cross-linked and polymerized. The technique is compatible with a broad range of LM and EM protocols and procedures. It is applicable to tissues and cells, prepared as pellet or suspension. The technique represents an improvement over others, like the ability to visualize the samples once pre-embedded and a better resistance to histological processing. It allows a more efficient and reproducible analysis of the samples by LM and EM. The technique is... 

The protocol presented here describes how to prepare collagen suitable for culturing embryonic and postnatal tissues and how to process it to make a three-dimensional gel in which tissue explants can be manipulated and embedded. The techniques used to isolate and embed tissue are described, as are the ways in which growth and differentiation factors can be presented to tissue explants within these gels. In addition, a summary is provided of the maimer in which such cultures can be manipulated to process by immunohistochemical or in-situ hybridization techniques to examine cell differentiation within tissue explants. 

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