Rapid Infiltration of Biological Tissues Utilizing n-Hexenyl Succinic Anhydride (HXSA)/Vinyl Cyclohexene Dioxide (VCD), An Ultra-Low Viscosity Embedding Medium.

Abstract

HXSA/VCD recently was introduced as an ultra-low viscosity embedding medium for biological electron microscopy (Mascorro et al., TSEM/LSEM Joint Symposium Proceedings, In Press, 1976). The medium utilizes a newly developed short carbon chain anhydride (HXSA) in combination with components of known low viscosities. The completed medium exhibits a markedly low viscosity (20 ± 1 cps d 25°C) which facilitates rapid and complete infiltration in minimum time. The components and preparation of the medium are as follows: A small amount of standard mix includes 5 grams VCD, 10 grams HXSA, 0.75 gram Araldite RD-2 and 0.15 gram DMAE, combined gravimetrically. Components are drawn by syringe and dispensed into a dry beaker placed on a Mettler balance. The fluid nature of the medium allows precise measuring.