Search the CONFOCAL archive at
http://listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?S1=confocal

Dear Simon,

We have used a 30-50microm thin transparent film called 'BioFolie'
formerly distributed by IVSS (in vitro systems & services) to cover
samples and keep them stretched and adhere to agar or other flat
surfaces. The film allows for gas but not fluid exchange and has a RI
similar to water (1.35). 

regards, jens
 
---
Dr. Jens Rietdorf 
head of microscopy unit
Friedrich-Miescher-Institute, wro1066.2.32
Maulbeerstr.66, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
phone +41(61)69-75172 mobil +41 798284737

-----Original Message-----
From: Confocal Microscopy List [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Roy Edward
Sent: Freitag, 19. Januar 2007 17:40
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Mounting peripheral nerves for imaging (Commercial
response)

Search the CONFOCAL archive at
http://listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?S1=confocal

Dear Simon

Perhaps you might be interested to try CyGEL?
This is a thermoreversible, hydrogel mountant designed for the imaging
of live cells / tissues.  Unusually, it's a gel when warm and a liquid
when cold which means your sample is stable on the stage.  The gel can
be supplemented with media and growth factors.  

In this case, I would recommend stretching the sample as you need and
then overlaying with CyGEL to help maintain it's integrity and provide
it with media, etc.  The gel will set and it can be chilled again to
spread it (either AFTER applying a coverslip or BEFORE covering with
oil).

It also depends whether you need to keep the tissue taught. If not, the
gel might be sufficient on its own.

You can see more information on our website.

I hope this helps.  You can always contact me directly if you want to
discuss this further.

Very best regards
Roy
 
Roy Edward
Biostatus Ltd
[log in to unmask]
www.biostatus.com
 
56 Charnwood Road, Shepshed, LEICESTER LE12 9NP U.K.
tel: +44(0)1509 558163 fax: +44(0)1509 651061
 

-----Original Message-----
From: Simon Walker [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 18 January 2007 13:54
Subject: Mounting peripheral nerves for imaging

Search the CONFOCAL archive at
http://listserv.acsu.buffalo.edu/cgi-bin/wa?S1=confocal

Dear List,

We are hoping to do some experiments using confocal microscopy to image
fluorescently labelled organelles in live peripheral nerves.  The tissue

will be excised from mice and imaged on an inverted microscope.  The
problem is, we are not sure how to mount the tissue for imaging.

For widefield imaging using an upright microscope the excised nerves
have been mounted in 35 mm dishes onto Sylgard and pinned at both ends
to keep the tissue taught (the pins go in to the Sylgard).  However, our
confocal is based around an inverted microscope and we now want to use
high mag lenses with short working distances.  In other words, we can't
use Sylgard and pins.

The tissue needs to be in some kind of dish so that it can be immersed
in medium, the bottom of the dish needs to be cover-glass, and the
tissue needs to be held at each end to keep it taught and flat to the
bottom of

the dish.

Any ideas gratefully received.
Thanks,
Simon