Flat embeddment of monolayer cells, tissue sections, and other cellular materials attached onto glass substrate

Abstract

Flat embeddment of certain specimens for electron microscopy is necessary for three classes of biological materials: namely monolayer cells, tissue sections of paraffin or plastics, as well as cell concentrations, exfoliated cells, and cell smears. The present report concerns a flat-embedding technique which can be applied to all these three classes of materials and which is a modified and improved version of Chang's original methodology.Preparation of coverglasses and microslides. Chemically cleaned coverglasses, 11 × 22 mm or other sizes, are laid in rows on black paper. Ink-mark one coner for identifying the spray-side of the glass for growing cells. Lightly spray with Teflon monomer (Heddy/Contact Inductries, Paterson, NO 07524, U.S.A.) from a pressurized can. Bake the sprayed glasses at 500°F for 45 min on Cover-Glass Ceramic Racks (A. Thomas Co. Philadelphia), for Teflon to polymerize.Monolayer Cells. After sterilization, the Teflon-treated coverglasses, with cells attached, are treated or fixed in situ in Columbia staining dishes (A. Thomas Co., Philadelphia) for subsequent processing.