title: An optimized device for staining electron microscopy grids.
abstract: Proper staining of grids is critical for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Staining must be done as quickly as possible using minimal reagents and with consideration for the environment. We developed a new device for efficient staining of multiple TEM grids. We studied reagent evaporation, rinsing volume, flow rate and re-use of uranyl acetate, and provide here a procedure for efficient staining using the new device. Our device permits TEM grids to be stained with less reagent than alternative staining apparatuses; staining requires a total volume of 260 μl for five grids. Reagent evaporation is less than 6% even if used at 37° C. Moreover, our staining apparatus reduces chemical waste and shortens experiment time by staining several grids simultaneously. Our staining device is a compromise between time-consuming single grid processing and expensive commercial devices that consume large amounts of reagents.
authors: French National Institute of Health and Medical Research, University of Strasbourg , Faculty of Dentistry, INSERM UMR-1121, 67085 Strasbourg Cedex , France.
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Mathieu
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Benmlih
authors: R
authors: R
authors: Fabre
authors: J
authors: J
authors: Hemmerle
mesh_terms: D004817:Epidermis / Q000648:ultrastructure; D006801:Humans; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission / Q000295:instrumentation*; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*