title: The attachment of mineralised tissues to coverslips for observing dynamic events by confocal microscopy.
abstract: In confocal scanning optical fluorescence microscopy, using high-aperture oil immersion lenses, the best images are obtained for focus planes immediately under the coverslip, or under a continuation of the coverslip with a medium with the same, high refractive index. Therefore placing the coverslip with a layer of oil underneath it is an advantage if the sample will allow it. If experimental manipulations that can displace the coverslip are involved,--for example, attempts to make dynamic observation of fluid flow--the coverslip is best cemented to the sample with a high-index material. This report describes the use of adhesive systems developed for restorative dentistry to achieve a durable attachment of dental tissues to microscope coverslips. The technique described in this paper has been used for monitoring real-time fluid movement in dentine. The samples were examined with a high-frame-rate confocal microscope (a tandem scanning microscope). The adhesive technology also could be utilised in the microscopic preparation of other porous translucent materials.
authors.affiliation: Eastman Dental Hospital, England, UK.
authors.forename: B M
authors.initials: BM
authors.lastname: Griffiths
authors.forename: T F
authors.initials: TF
authors.lastname: Watson
mesh_terms: D003804:Dentin / Q000648:ultrastructure; D017220:Dentin-Bonding Agents; D006801:Humans; D008853:Microscopy / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D017220:Dentin-Bonding Agents