Technical Tips: General Tips for Embedding Media Kits

• Epoxy Resins: Problems, Causes, and Solutions
• Storage of Embedding Resin Mixtures
• Preparation of Embedding Mixtures
• DMP-30 and DMAE VS. BDMA

*Please note that wherever DMP-30 is listed as the accelerator in our embedding media kits you have the option to use BDMA in place of it. BDMA is less viscous, has a longer shelf life, and offers better penetration (it should be noted, however, that in order to achieve the optimum results when using BDMA in place of DMP-30 you must vary the amount. DMP-30: 1.5-2%; BDMA: 2.5-3%).

Araldite 502

Luft's Formula. Polymerization takes place overnight so blocks can be sectioned the next day. J. Biochem. Biophy. Cytol. 9, 409 (1961)

RT

13900

Kit consists of: 450ml Araldite 502 450ml DDSA; Specially Distilled *50ml DMP-30

Kit

40.00

Araldite 6005

Also known as American Araldite. The blocks are slightly harder than those produced by Araldite 502.

RT

13920

Kit consists of: 450ml Araldite 6005 450ml DDSA; Specially Distilled 100ml BDMA 225ml DBP

Kit

42.00

Araldite, Embed 812 (Epon-812)

Mollenhauer Epon-Araldite Formula. For hard blocks and high image contrast. Blocks are easily sectioned. Stain Tech., 39,11 (1964)

RT

13940

Kit consists of: 450ml EMbed-812 450ml Araldite 502 450ml DDSA; Specially Distilled *50ml DMP

Kit

61.00

DER 332-732

Three different mixtures: one for relatively soft blocks, another for harder blocks for collagenous tissue, and a tougher one if required.
Lockwood, W.R. Anatomical Record, 150, 129 (1964)

RT

14000

Kit consists of: 2x225ml DER 332 225ml DER 732 450ml DDSA; Specially Distilled *50ml DMP-30

Kit

48.00

Durcupan, Water Soluble

A water soluble embedding medium for EM based on an aliphatic polyepoxide.
A Fluka A.G., Buchs. Switzerland-Registered Trademark.

RT

14020

Kit 260g for a minimum of 10 embeddings

Kit

256.00

Durcupan ACM, Epoxy Resin

An aromatic polyepoxide; a colorless resin of relatively low viscosity, with virtually no shrinkage.

RT

14040

Kit 1200ml

Kit

326.00

Diethylene Glycol Distearate (DEGDS/DGD)

DGD is a removable embedding medium (for thin and thick sections) that provides embedment free sections. Good for immunolabeling and high resolution light microscopy.

Advantages:

• Thin or thick embedment free sections can be obtained.
• Sections are easy to cut and ribbons are easily obtainable.
• Enhances the integrity of the specimen as it floats on the water.
• Sections produce interference colors according to its thickness.

Ethanol and n-butyl alcohol are used as dehydrating agents.

1. Capco, Krockmalnic, & Penman (1984). A New Method of Preparing Embedment Free Sections For TEM: Applications to the Cytoskeletal Framework and Other 3D Networks. JCB Vol. 98, pp. 1878.
2. Valdimarsson & Huebner (1989). DEGDS as an Embedding Medium for Immunofluorescence Microscopy. Biochem. Cell Biol. 67:242.
3. Nickerson, Krockmalnic, He, & Penman (1990). Immunolocalization in Three Dimensions: Immunogold Staining of Cytoskeletal and Nuclear Matrix Proteins in Resinless Electron Microscopy Sections. PNAS Vol. 87, pp. 2259.

RT

14010

Kit consists of: 450ml DGD 450ml Ethanol 450ml n-Butyl alcohol DGD Embedding Kit

Kit

150.00

EMbed-812/ DER 73

This mixture is less viscous than the final embedding mixture of EMbed-812.

RT

14130

Kit consists of: 2x225ml DER 736 450ml EMbed-812 450ml NMA *50ml DMP-30

Kit

60.00

EMbed-812

Electron Microscopy Sciences' replacement for the discontinued Epon-812. Produces the same results in terms of preservation, handling, sectioning, and staining as the old Epon-812.

1. Hayat, M. A. Principles & Tech. for EM. Second Edition (1981)
2. Mascorro, J.A. and Kirby, G.S. Physical characteristics of "old" Epon 812 and various Epon-like replacements. Proc. 44th Ann. Meet. Electron. Microsc. Soc. Am., pp.222-223 (1986)
3. Mascorro, J.A. and Kirby, G.S. Novel Epoxy/Anhydride Alternatives for Biological Electron Microscopy: Physical and Performance Characteristics of EMbed 812 and LX 112 in combination with NSA/NMA/DMAE. Proc. 47th Ann. Meet. EMSA., pp. 1000-1001 (1989).
4. Mascorro, J.A. and Kirby, G.S. Viscosity Characteristics and Hardening Rates for EMbed 812 and LX 112 with alternative Anhydride and Catalyst Choices. Proc. 49th Ann. Meet. EMSA. (1991).

RT

14120

Kit consists of: 450ml EMbed-812 450ml DDSA; Specially Distilled 450ml NMA *50ml DMP-30

Kit

58.00

Epo-Fix

Especially formulated for Material Science

Epo-Fix is an old product that has existed only in the metallographic field until now. After extensive testing in our labs we have found that it is a perfect embedding media for a majority of material specimens.

Until now, LR White has been the most commonly used embedding media for materials due to the block hardness it offered, but there are difficulties associated with LR White. For instance, the adherance to the specimen is poor and additives are required to improve its adherance. Another major problem is the inability to orient the specimen correctly in order to cut you block afterwards. This is due to the fact that LR White needs to be oxygen starved and gelatin capsules (vertical) are recommended by the manufacturer for use. Another problem is that polymerization time in the oven can take over 24 hours.

Epo-Fix remedies all of these problems. It has very good sectioning properties, good adherance to the sample, very low viscosity, easy curing in molds (no orientation problems), and quick cure times.

Epo-Fix Technical Data:

A two component epoxy resin, characterized by negligible shrinkage during curing and good mechanical properties in its hardened state. It is particularly suited for embedding hard samples of complicated shape and for vacuum impregnation. Samples such as paper, silicon, ceramics, metals, wafers, and chips are suitable to be used with Epo-Fix. It has low viscosity, low vapour pressure, good wetting properties, and minimal shrinkage. It hardens at room temperature without significant generation of heat in approximately 8 hours (no damage from heat or pressure), and at increased temperatures, 60°C, the hardening time is reduced to 2 hours. It should be noted that if you place Epo-Fix in a desiccator during curing you will eliminate any air bubbles.

Epo-Fix is available as a kit and the components can be purchased separately as well.

RT

1232

Epo-Fix kit includes: 1kg resin 120gm hardener 15 cups 15 stirrers 1 x 5ml and 20ml syringes

Kit

104.00

Gach (Glutaraldehyde/Carbohydrazide)

A water and lipid-retaining embedding polymer for EM. Excellent preservation of lipids and ultrastructure.
Hechman, C.A. et al. (1973) J. Ultrastruct. Res. 42,156.

RT

15920

Kit consists of: 10x10ml 50% EM grade Glutaraldehyde 10x1.5g Carbohydrazide

Kit

35.00

GMA, Water Soluble

Glycol Methacrylate embedding medium provides excellent preservation (especially enzymatic autoradiographic studies). Good for E.M., L.M., and Histo. Leduc. & Bernard, (1967)
J. Ultrastr. Res., 4, 196-99.

RT

14200

Kit consists of: 450ml GMA 225ml n-Butylmethacrylate 15g 2,4-Dichlorobenzoyl Peroxide paste

Kit

46.00

GMA/PEG

Polyethylene Glycol - Glycol methacrylate mixture. A water miscible embedding medium for cytochemical studies and enzyme localization when light and electron microscopy need to be correlated.
Spaur, R.C. & Moriarty, G., (1977) J Histochem. Cytochem., 23:16

RT

14250

Kit consists of: 450ml Glycol methacrylate, GMA 225ml n-Butyl methacrylate 50ml Ethylene glycol dimethacrylate 15g Benzoyl Peroxide Paste 20ml Polyethylene Glycol 400

Kit

47.00

Hard-Plus Resin-812

A newly formulated resin that enables the processing of specimens that have a tendency to wrinkle and be problematic.

In general, Hard Plus Resin-812 and its WPE numbers (weight per epoxide) do not vary much from batch to batch and it also has good stability under the electron beam and it stains well with heavy metals. Furthermore, the viscosity of the Hard-Plus Resin-812 is lower than the original Epon-812, making infiltration of the tissue more complete. For processing and embedding, it can be used exactly the same way as Epon-812, but normally, it is not necessary to use intermediate solvents, such as propylene oxide, hence, infiltration can immediately follow with absolute alcohol. Polymerization is normally at 60ºC for 24 – 48 hours. Longer times or higher temperatures (70ºC or more) will give a harder block.

For larger samples (>1x1mm3) the use of a intermediate solvent is recommended.

Hard-Plus Resin-812 is supplied only as a premix kit. All components are pre-measured, and you have to do is combine them in the right order and mix thoroughly. Each kit contains five separate mini-kits, making approximately 100g each.

RT

14115

Kit consists of: 5x50g Hard-Plus Resin-812 5x50g Hardener Hard-Plus 5x 2.5ml Accelerator Hard-Plus Resin-812 Kit

Kit

105.00

HPMA, Water Soluble

HPMA is a water-soluble resin used for cytochemical applications. Infiltration follows fixation of the tissue so there is no extraction of materials caused by dehydration in alcohols. Leduc, E.H. et al., (1965) J. Cell Biol., 26:137.

RT

14220

Kit consists of: 450ml HPMA 15g Benzoyl Peroxide Paste

Kit

39.00

Immuno-Bed ™ Embedding Resin

• A low viscosity media for light microscopy and immuno-histochemistry techniques.
• It allows for the penetration of large immunoglobulins through the plastic sections for demonstration of antigenic sites.

J. Histochem, Cytochem., 35:595 (1987)

	14260-00	Kit consists of: 750 ml Solution A 50 ml Solution B 9 g Catalyst Kit	Kit	240.00
0-5°C	14260-01	Immuno-Bed Solution A only	750 ml	218.00
RT	14260-04	Immuno-Bed Solution B only	50 ml	16.00
RT	14260-06	Immuno-Bed Catalyst only	9 g	15.50

JB-4 ™ Embedding Kit

A water soluble embedding media which is based on Glycol Methacrylate (GMA) plastic embedding. It is intended for use in preparing samples for high resolution microscopes (HRLM). The catalyzed monomer acts as a dehydration and infiltration agent; therefore, complete dehydration through 100% ethanol is not necessary (although recommended for large or dense tissues). Conventional paraffin sections have a greater degree of shrinkage and produce inadequate morphology when compared to JB-4.

Features:

• Thin sections (.5-2.0 micron) with excellent morphological structure preservation.
• Water-clear blocks; casts in 90 minutes max. at room temp
• Good lipid and enzyme retention when processing at low temperatures (4°C).
• Removal of JB-4 resin prior to staining is not necessary.
• Clearing agents such as xylene and chloroform are not needed.
• Higher clarity and contrast than with paraffin sections.
• Easy processing of difficult specimens such as calcified bone and delicate embryonic tissue.

References:

1. Hofman E.O. & Flores, T.R., High Resolution LM in Renal Path., Amer. J. of Clin. Path., 76:5 (1981)
2. Beckstead, J.H., Blood, 57(6):1008 (1981)
3. Brinn, N & Pickett, P., J. Histotech., 2(5):125-130 (1979)
4. Block, Matthew H., et al., Lab. Med., 13(5)(1982)
5. Helander, K.G., J. Microscopy, 132:223 (1983)
6. Cole, M.B., J. Microscopy, 127:139 (1982)
7. Higuchi, S., et al., Stain Tech., 54(1):5-12 (1979)
8. Van DeVeldt, S., Am. J. Clin. Path.,73:121 (1980)
9. Horton, W.A., J. Histochem. Cytochem., 31:417 (1983)
10. Tacha, D.E. & Richard, T.C.., J. Histotech., 4(2):59 (1981)

RT	14270-00	JB-4 Kit Consists of: 750 ml Solution A 50 ml Solution B 9 g Catalyst		Kit	240.00
RT	14270-01	JB-4 Solution A only		750ml	218.00
RT	14270-04	JB-4 Solution B only		50ml	19.00
RT	14270-06	JB-4 Catalyst		9gm	17.00

JB-4 Plus™ Embedding Kit

JB-4 Plus offers all of the same features as JB-4 with the following additions:

• It produces less of an exothermic reaction than JB4 which is good for temperature sensitive tissues.
• It produces harder blocks which is ideal for dense samples, such as bone

RT	14272-00	JB-4 Plus Kit Consists 465 ml Solution A 35 ml Solution B 5 g Catalyst	Kit	240.00
RT	14272-01	JB-4 Plus Solution A only	465ml	188.00
RT	14272-04	JB-4 Plus Solution B only	50ml	69.00
RT	14272-06	JB-4 Plus Catalyst	5g	14.00

Related Products for the JB-4

Block Holder, Chucks and Molding Cup Trays
Tissue-Tack Adhesive for JB-4
UV Mount Medium for JB-4

LR Gold Resin

The London Resin Company's acrylic "LR Gold" offers the histochemist and immunocytochemist the advantage of working with unfixed tissues at low temperatures, thus allowing many fixation-sensitive procedures to be carried out in 1-4 microns resin sections at -25°C using visible light. It is non-toxic and has a low viscosity.

RT	14370	Kit consists of: 500ml LR Gold Resin 100g Polyvinylpyrolidone; 50g Benzoyl Peroxide 50g Benzil	Kit	212.00
RT	14371	LR Gold Resin only;	500ml	152.00

LR White Resin

A very low viscosity (8cps), non-toxic resin, suitable for both Light and Electron Microscopy.

LR White is a polar monomer polyhydroxylated acromatic acrylic resin. It can be cured by heat or by UV light. Sections of polymerized LR White resin are hydrophilic. This character allows immuno-cytochemistry reagents to easily penetrate into the sections and etching of the sections is not necessary (etching sections will effect delicate tissue antigens). LR White sections also show minimal non-specific staining. Its low viscosity makes it ideal for infiltrating decalcified bone and teeth as well as plant tissues. It is available in medium and hard grade.

Newman, G.R. (1987). Use and abuse of LR White. Histochem. J., 19:118
Newman, G.R. (1989). LR White embedding medium for colloidal gold methods. In: Colloidal Gold: Principles, Methods, and Applications, Vol.2 (Hayat, M.A., Ed.). Academic Press. San Diego and London

Kit consists of: 500ml LR White Resin, 10ml UV accelerator

0-5°C	14380	Medium Grade		Kit	130.00
0-5°C	14382	Hard Grade		Kit	138.00
0-5°C	14381	LR White resin only; Med. Grade		500ml	120.00
0-5°C	14381-UC	LR White resin only; Med. Grade Uncatalyzed		500ml	125.00
0-5°C	14383	LR White resin only; Hard Grade		500ml	126.00
0-5°C	14383-UC	LR White resin only; Hard Grade Uncatalyzed		500ml	129.00
0-5°C	14385	LR White UV accelerator		10ml	12.90
0-5°C	14384	LR White Resin Catalyzed Soft Grade		kit	120.00
0-5°C	14384-UC	LR White Resin UnCatalyzed Soft Grade		kit	125.00

Technical Data Sheets

• LR White Embedding Medium
• LR White for Light Microscopy
• LR White for Hard Tissue
• LR White for Electron Microscopy
• LR White for Immunohistochemistry
• Using LR White for Electron Microscopic Immunocytochemistry

Technical Tips

• LR White General Tips
• Adherence of LR-White Sections to Glass Slides for Immunogold Labeling

Histocryl Resin

Histocryl acrylic resin has been specially formulated for light microscopy. It is water clear, and because it is hydrophilic (polar) it permits the use of most routine staining techniques without priorremoval or etching.

RT

14390

Kit consists of: 500ml Histocryl Resin 50g Histocryl Catalyst (B.P.) 10ml Histocryl Accelerator

Kit

132.00

Related Products

For the polymerization of our UV curing resins, see our UV Lamps and our UV Cryo Chamber.

Lowicryl Resin

Lowicryl resins are highly cross-linked acrylate-based embedding resins, designed for use over a wide range of embedding conditions. These resins provide low viscosity at low temperatures.

The K4M kit is usable to -35°C and is a polar (hydrophilic) medium, while the HM20 kit can be used down to -70°C and is nonpolar (hydrophobic).

Lowicryl's K11M and HM23 have properties similar to K4M and HM20, but can be used at temperatures 20 degrees lower than others: K11M at -60°C, HM23 at least -80°C. All of these resins are photopolymerized by long wavelength (360nm) ultraviolet light. Since the initiation of the polymerization is largely independent of temperatures, blocks may be polymerized at the same temperatures used for infiltration. The resin may also be chemically polymerized at 60°C.

Armbruster, B.L. et al, (1982). J. Microscopy 126: 77
Carlemalm, E. et al, (1985). J. Microscopy 140:55
Hayat, M.A. (Ed.). (1989) Priciples and Techniques of Electron Microscopy, 3rd Edition. CRC Press,Inc. Boca Raton, Florida.

RT	14330	Lowicryl K4M		kit	432.00
RT	14340	Lowicryl HM20		kit	432.00
RT	14350	Lowicryl K11M		kit	432.00
RT	14360	Lowicryl HM23		kit	432.00

Technical Data Sheets and Newsletter

• Lowicryl K4M K11M, Lowicryl HM20 HM23
• Lowicryls, Low Temperature Embedding Resins
• Lowicryl Letters

Lowicryl MonoStep Single Component Embedding Media

The same as our Lowicryl complete kits but this new formulation allows you one stop embedding without all of the cumbersome preparation and mixing.  This pre-mixed, ready to use resin, saves you time and minimizes chemical contact.  MonoStep Lowicryl is ideal for use in immunohistochemistry and immunolabeling.  Store at room temperature.

RT	14335	Lowicryl K4m Polar Embedding Medium; MonoStep		225g	188.00
RT	14345	Lowicryl HM-20 Polar Embedding Medium; MonoStep		225g	188.00

Technical Tips

Improved Polymerization of Acrylic Resins

Low Viscosity, as reported by Dr. Spurr

Provides excellent penetration for embedding biological tissues and rapid infiltration. Easy to prepare. The hardness is adjusted by changing the proportion of the flexibilizer (DER 736). The blocks have good trimming and sectioning qualities. Thin sections are tough under the electron beam.

Spurr, A.R., (1969) J. Ultrastruct. Res. 26, 31-42

RT

14300

Kit consists of: 450ml NSA 225ml ERL 4221 225ml DER 736 25ml DMAE

Kit

60.00

Technical Tip

Low Viscosity Kit Formulation with ERL 4221

UltraBed Kit

A Newly Introduced Low Viscosity Epoxy Embedding Kit

A Modification of the Dr. Spurr’s Formula for Biological, Material, and Mineralogical Specimens

Versatile! Easy to use! Save Time and Money with this one-step-preparation low viscosity embedding kit.

The kit consists of two components, equal amount, very low viscosity, (~65cps), in convenient dispenser top bottles. To prepare the Embedding Resin, just mix equal amounts of the two components. The resin readily infiltrates into specimen and polymerizes to a clear, hard block overnight at 60°C

• Convenient – by weight just disperse equal amount of the A and B that you need, and mix together
• Save time – Mixed resin can be used for both infiltration and embedding
• Less Hazardous – All components are shipped together as Non- Hazardous substances

Kit comes with 100 ml each component A and component B

RT

14310

UltraBed Low Viscosity Kit 2x100ml

Kit

150.00

Methyl Methacrylate/Butyl Methacrylate

The mixture of Butyl and Methyl Methacrylate offers many advantages over the standard GMA and HPMA embedding mediums:

• It can be UV cured in the cold with the addition of benzoin methyl ether, or heat cured by the addition of benzoyl peroxide.
• The resin can be removed from the sections with a solvent (acetone) before staining.

RT

14520

225 ml Methyl Methacrylate 225 ml Butyl Methacrylate 15 gm Benzoyl Peroxide Paste

Kit

36.00

Micro-Bed Resin

Micro-Bed resin is a newly developed water-soluble resin which is a mixture of acrylate and polyester resins. It is a very universal embedding medium and may be used for either light or electron microscopy.

Due to its non-crosslinking characteristics, its hydrophilic nature, and roughness of its section surface, our Micro-Bed Resin is excellent in preserving tissue structure, offers good results in immunolabeling, and stands up well to conventional stains.

In light microscopy, tissues were stained with conventional histological stains (e.g.,hematoxylin-eosin) and embedded in Micro-Bed: the results were comparable with those provided on paraffin embedded tissues. Further, polychrome silver-based and cytochemical stains (e.g.,PAS) were also feasible. In transmission electron microscopy, images as good as those obtained with similar acrylic resins, (e.g., Lowicryl K4M), were obtained.

Micro-Bed is supplied as a single component-ready to use pre-mixed resin. Micro-Bed can be polymerized in either EMS embedding capsules or gelatin capsules by either heat(55-65°C) or UV (wavelength 365nm) light at low temperatures (-10 to 20°C) for 72 hours.

Scala C. et al.(1992). Development of a new acrylic resin ideally suited for light and electron microscopy. Electron Microscopy. Volume 3.EUREM 92, Granada, Spain. pg. 271

0-5°C

14210

Micro-Bed Embedding Resin

500ml

82.00

Related Products

• Polyester Wax

Quetol 651 - NSA

A water miscible epoxy resin used for both light and electron microscopy. Its low viscosity permits easy infiltration and embedding, and yields light-colored blocks.

Kushida, H. et al., (1986) Pro. 11th Int. Cong. Electron Microsc., p. 2177. Kyoto

0-5°C

14640

Kit consists of: 225ml Quetol 651 450ml NMA 450ml NSA 50ml DMP-30

Kit

74.00

Articles of Interest

Quetol and the Addition of Water

Styrene Monomer, Polyester Resin

Very low viscosity; monomeric styrene which penetrates rapidly into the tissues. It is soluble in ethanol and acetone. The infiltration and embedding can be done by styrene alone, and there is no need to dilute it with solvents. Polymerization can be done either by UV light (340-400nm) or heat (60°C) within 2-3 days without benzoyl peroxide added; 24 hours with 1% benzoyl peroxide added as a catalyst.

Delamater et al., (1971) Pro. 29th Ann. Meet. EMSA, p. 488. Claitor's Pub. Div., Baton Rouge, La.
Kushida, H. (1962b) J. Electron Microsc., 11:128
Kushida, H. (1961a) J. Electron Microsc., 10:16

Technical Tips

Rapid Techniques for Specimen Preparation

Technovit Methyl Methacrylate and Glycol Methacrylate