title: Fabrication of microscalpels by electrolysis of tungsten wire in a meniscus.
abstract: A simple technique has been devised for generating consistent microscalpel blades from tungsten wire for use in microdissections. Electrolysis of the tungsten wire held horizontally in contact with the extended, up-lifted meniscus of an aqueous solution of 1.0 N NaOH sculps the metal into a blade configuration with a very sharp cutting edge. These microscalpels are suitable for dissection of embryonic neural tissues.
authors.affiliation: Division of Biology-Ackert Hall, Kansas State University, Manhattan 66506.
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Conrad
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Bee
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Roche
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Teillet
mesh_terms: D000468:Alkalies; D004210:Dissection / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004572:Electrolysis; D013677:Medical Laboratory Science; D012996:Solutions; D014414:Tungsten
chemical_list: D000468:Alkalies; D012996:Solutions; D014414:Tungsten