Silicone-urethane adhesive for improved coverslip mounting and leak-free preparation of living cell observation chambers. (March 2009)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Matsunaga, Shigeru; Xie, Qiuhong; Kumano-Kuramochi, Miyuki; Komba, Shiro; Machida, Sachiko
• Is Part Of: Biotechniques. Volume 46:Number 3(2009)
• Page Start: 225
• Page End: 227
• Publication Date: 2009-03
• Subjects: living specimens -- coverslip mounting -- time-lapse imaging; Biology, Experimental -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Medical technology -- Periodicals; Biology, Experimental; Medical technology; Molecular biology; Clinical Laboratory Techniques -- Periodicals; Research -- Periodicals; Medical Laboratory Science -- Periodicals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 570
• DOI: 10.2144/000113071
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0736-6205

Abstract

Using a combination of silicone and urethane resin, we established a rapid technique for preparing living specimens for microscopy. One major advantage of this technique is that the coverslip is rigidly attached and does not detach during handling. As a result, it is possible to continuously observe living cells at high magnification and resolution using an oil immersion objective. Another advantage is that living cells are quickly confined to the space between the glass slide and coverslip, protecting them from environmental changes, which can cause serious effects on cell function and morphology. Moreover, high-resolution observations of real-time responses of cells are possible, using the combination of the mounting technique and a simple flow chamber.