16 Jul Polymer cross sections
The mPrep System streamlines sample preparation of polymers and soft materials that are embedded and cross-sectioned for analysis with SEM-EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy), optical spectroscopies (e.g. FTIR and Raman), and TEM.
Problems
The processes to embed and cross-section polymers and soft materials are conducted using laboratory equipment that are not well suited for this purpose. Microscopists experience multiple challenges;
- Difficultly preparing many specimens at once
- Orienting fibers and films is time consuming
- Difficultly handling particulate specimens
- Specimens may be damaged during preparation
- Keeping track of multiple specimens and protocols is difficult
mPrep solutions
mPrep/s capsule sample preparation addresses these challenges:
- Simultaneous processing enables easy preparation of multiple specimens
- Accurate orientation in seconds using the mPrep Workstation
- Particulate specimens are entrapped throughout embedding
- Encapsulated specimen reduces handling and damage
- Labeled capsules are easy to track
Whole particle (SEM) and 4 EDS cross-section maps
FTIR maps polymer cross-sections
Application Notes
Required
mPrep/s capsules to hold specimens
An insertion tool is required to insert, remove and adjust the mPrep/s screen. There are two options:
- mPrep/s Insertion tool
- mPrep/s Workstation (w/integrated insertion tool): required to orient specimens using the pinch method. Recommended because of its additional benefits
- Precise specimen orientation in seconds
- Wet samples easy to handle
- Single focal plane keeps specimens in focus
- Simultaneous loading of capsules onto pipettor for reagent processing
mPrep/f couplers to prevent introducing damaging reagents into pipettors
Pipettor (such as a Gilson P200 volume) to enable reagent pipetting into mPrep/s capsules
mPrep/bench to seal capsule bottoms during long reagent treatments and resin curing
Recommended
Reagent reservoirs
Microwell plates
Gilson Pipetman Neo (P200) pipettors bundled with mPrep/s capsules
mPrep/s™ Pipettor Kit single-channel
- Single-channel pipettor
- mPrep/s capsule pack
- 96 pipette tips
mPrep/s™ Pipettor Kit eight-channel
- Eight-channel pipettor
- mPrep/s capsule pack
- 96 pipette tips
Videos
This video tutorial shows how to trim and face an embedded block inside an mPrep/s capsule. The capsule is clamped into a microtome chuck for trimming, facing and sectioning.
1 minutes 17 seconds
This video tutorial demonstrates how to use mPrep capsules with multi-channel pipettors and common lab ware to simultaneously deliver reagents to multiple specimens and grids. The video demonstrates TEM fixation and embedding. Reagent processing procedures are similar for all specimen types and for grids with mPrep capsules .
6 minutes 4 seconds
The tutorial starts by introducing the mPrep Workstation. Then it demonstrates how to load and orient specimens into mPrep capsules. Three methods are shown: pinch, compression and cup.
5 minutes 19 seconds
mPrep specimen products
mPrep/s™ Capsule Bodies without Screens – 96 count
96 capsule bodies without screens
Product SKU: 22550$395.00
mPrep/s™ Workstation
Prepare specimens and insert into mPrep/s capsules with or without orientation using integrated screen insertion tool
Product SKU: 42100$980.00
mPrep/s™ Insertion Tool
Inserts, removes and adjusts screens in mPrep/s capsules
Product SKU: 32010$33.00
mPrep™ CPD Holder
mPrep™ CPD Holder for critical-point dry processing of up to 6 mPrep/s or 6 mPrep/g capsules. For use with Tousimis® CPD apparatus, and others with 1.25” (32 mm) diameter chambers. Also used for cryogenic specimen preparation.
Product SKU: 33010$260.00
96-well Plates – 500ul per well
96-well plates, polypropylene, round wells with U-bottom, 10/sleeve
Product SKU: 51001$43.00
96-well plates, square well, 1.2ml, polypropylene,10/SLV, sold by SLEEVE
96-well plates, polypropylene, V-bottom, 10/sleeve
Product SKU: 51010$52.00
96-well plates, square well, 1.2ml, polypropylene,100/CS, sold by CASE
96-well plates, polypropylene, V-bottom, 100/case
Product SKU: 51011$419.00
12-Channel Reagent Reservoir – Single pack
12-channel reagent reservoir, polypropylene
Product SKU: 52501$9.75