Araldite to Styrene
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: 450 ml Araldite 502 450 ml DDSA; Specially Distilled *50 ml DMP-30 |
Kit | 39.00 | Add to Cart |
Araldite 6005
Also known as American Araldite. The blocks are slightly harder than those produced by Araldite 502.
| RT | 13920 | Kit consists of: 450 ml Araldite 6005 450 ml DDSA; Specially Distilled 100 ml BDMA 225 ml DBP |
Kit | 42.00 | Add to Cart |
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: 450 ml EMbed-812 450 ml Araldite 502 450 ml DDSA; Specially Distilled *50 ml DMP |
Kit | 61.00 | Add to Cart |
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: 2x225 ml DER 332 225 ml DER 732 450 ml DDSA; Specially Distilled *50 ml DMP-30 |
Kit | 48.00 | Add to Cart |
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 | 295.00 | Add to Cart |
Durcupan ACM, Epoxy Resin
An aromatic polyepoxide; a colorless resin of relatively low viscosity, with virtually no shrinkage.
| RT | 14040 | Kit 1200 ml | Kit | 375.00 | Add to Cart |
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.
- 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.
- Valdimarsson & Huebner (1989). DEGDS as an Embedding Medium for Immunofluorescence Microscopy. Biochem. Cell Biol. 67:242.
- 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: 450 ml DGD 450 ml Ethanol 450 ml n-Butyl alcohol DGD Embedding Kit |
Kit | 150.00 | Add to Cart |
EMbed-812/
DER 73
This mixture is less viscous than the final embedding mixture of EMbed-812.
| RT | 14130 | Kit consists of: 2x225 ml DER 736 450 ml EMbed-812 450 ml NMA *50 ml DMP-30 |
Kit | 60.00 | Add to Cart |
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.
- Hayat, M. A. Principles & Tech. for EM. Second Edition (1981)
- 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)
- 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).
- 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: 450 ml EMbed-812 450 ml DDSA; Specially Distilled 450 ml NMA *50 ml DMP-30 |
Kit | 58.00 | Add to Cart |
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.
| RT | 1232 | Epo-Fix kit includes: 1kg resin 120gm hardener 15 cups 15 stirrers 1 x 5 ml and 20 ml syringes |
Kit | 105.00 | Add to Cart |
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: 10x10 ml 50% EM grade Glutaraldehyde 10x1.5g Carbohydrazide |
Kit | 35.00 | Add to Cart |
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: 450 ml GMA 225 ml n-Butylmethacrylate 15g 2,4-Dichlorobenzoyl Peroxide paste |
Kit | 46.00 | Add to Cart |
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: 450 ml Glycol methacrylate, GMA 225 ml n-Butyl methacrylate 50 ml Ethylene glycol dimethacrylate 15g Benzoyl Peroxide Paste 20 ml Polyethylene Glycol 400 |
Kit | 47.00 | Add to Cart |
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 2.5 ml Accelerator Hard-Plus Resin-812 Kit |
Kit | 105.00 | Add to Cart |
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: 450 ml HPMA 15g Benzoyl Peroxide Paste |
Kit | 39.00 | Add to Cart |
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 | 268.00 | Add to Cart | |
| 0-5°C | 14260-01 | Immuno-Bed Solution A only | 750 ml | 245.00 | Add to Cart |
| RT | 14260-04 | Immuno-Bed Solution B only | 50 ml | 19.00 | Add to Cart |
| RT | 14260-06 | Immuno-Bed Catalyst only | 9 g | 19.00 | Add to Cart |
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:
- Hofman E.O. & Flores, T.R., High Resolution LM in Renal Path., Amer. J. of Clin. Path., 76:5 (1981)
- Beckstead, J.H., Blood, 57(6):1008 (1981)
- Brinn, N & Pickett, P., J. Histotech., 2(5):125-130 (1979)
- Block, Matthew H., et al., Lab. Med., 13(5)(1982)
- Helander, K.G., J. Microscopy, 132:223 (1983)
- Cole, M.B., J. Microscopy, 127:139 (1982)
- Higuchi, S., et al., Stain Tech., 54(1):5-12 (1979)
- Van DeVeldt, S., Am. J. Clin. Path.,73:121 (1980)
- Horton, W.A., J. Histochem. Cytochem., 31:417 (1983)
- 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 | 279.00 | Add to Cart | |
| RT | 14270-01 | JB-4 Solution A only | |
750 ml | 241.00 | Add to Cart |
| RT | 14270-04 | JB-4 Solution B only | |
50 ml | 22.00 | Add to Cart |
| RT | 14270-06 | JB-4 Catalyst | |
9gm | 20.00 | Add to Cart |
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 500 ml Solution A 15 ml Solution B 8 g Benzoyl Peroxide Catalyst |
Kit | 266.00 | Add to Cart |
| RT | 14272-01 | JB-4 Plus Solution A only | 500 ml | 210.00 | Add to Cart |
| RT | 14272-04 | JB-4 Plus Solution B only | 15 ml | 76.00 | Add to Cart |
| RT | 14272-06 | JB-4 Plus Catalyst | 8g | 16.00 | Add to Cart |
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: 500 ml LR Gold Resin 100g Polyvinylpyrolidone; 50g Benzoyl Peroxide 50g Benzil |
Kit | 225.00 | Add to Cart |
| RT | 14371 | LR Gold Resin only; | 500 ml | 158.00 | Add to Cart |
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: 500 ml LR White Resin, 10 ml UV accelerator
| 0-5°C | 14380 | Medium Grade | |
Kit | 130.00 | Add to Cart |
| 0-5°C | 14382 | Hard Grade | |
Kit | 138.00 | Add to Cart |
| 0-5°C | 14381 | LR White resin only; Med. Grade | |
500 ml | 120.00 | Add to Cart |
| 0-5°C | 14381-UC | LR White resin only; Med. Grade Uncatalyzed | 500 ml | 125.00 | Add to Cart | |
| 0-5°C | 14383 | LR White resin only; Hard Grade | 500 ml | 126.00 | Add to Cart | |
| 0-5°C | 14383-UC | LR White resin only; Hard Grade Uncatalyzed | 500 ml | 129.00 | Add to Cart | |
| 0-5°C | 14385 | LR White UV accelerator | |
10 ml | 12.90 | Add to Cart |
| 0-5°C | 14384 | LR White Resin Catalyzed Soft Grade | 500 ml | 126.00 | Add to Cart | |
| 0-5°C | 14384-UC | LR White Resin UnCatalyzed Soft Grade | 500 ml | 129.00 | Add to Cart |
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
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: 500 ml Histocryl Resin 50g Histocryl Catalyst (B.P.) 10 ml Histocryl Accelerator |
Kit | 132.00 | Add to Cart |
Related Products
For the polymerization of our UV curing resins, see our UV Lamps and our UV Cryo
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 | 460.00 | Add to Cart |
| RT | 14340 | Lowicryl HM20 | |
kit | 460.00 | Add to Cart |
| RT | 14350 | Lowicryl K11M | |
kit | 460.00 | Add to Cart |
| RT | 14360 | Lowicryl HM23 | |
kit | 460.00 | Add to Cart |
Technical Data Sheets and Newsletter
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 | 215.00 | Add to Cart |
| RT | 14345 | Lowicryl HM-20 Polar Embedding Medium; MonoStep |
|
225g | 215.00 | Add to Cart |
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: 450 ml NSA 225 ml ERL 4221 225 ml DER 736 25 ml DMAE |
Kit | 62.00 | Add to Cart |
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 2x100 ml | Kit | 184.00 | Add to Cart |
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 | Add to Cart |
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 | 500 ml | 82.00 | Add to Cart |
Polyester Wax
Please see 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: 225 ml Quetol 651 450 ml NMA 450 ml NSA 50 ml DMP-30 |
Kit | 74.00 | Add to Cart |
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
| RT | 14650 | kit | 38.00 | Add to Cart |
Technical Tips
Rapid Techniques for Specimen Preparation