Transmission electron microscopy (TEM)

The mPrep System™ streamlines Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) sample preparation using a capsule based approach. Use mPrep/s capsules to fix, orient, embed, and section specimens. Use mPrep/g capsules to stain or immuno-label TEM grids.

 

The mPrep System efficiently produces quality results from every sample.  Imagine this in your lab.

  • As few as two human touches from microtome to microscope – reduces damage and loss
  • Grids and capsules labeled for easy tracking from start to storage
  • Capsules attach to common lab pipettors for controlled reagent timing and minimal reagent consumption
  • Parallel processing
    • Stain from one to dozens of grids simultaneously using multi-channel pipettors
    • Automate using the mPrep-ASP-1000 Automated Specimen Processor
    • Identical reagent timing
    • Reduced tedium and labor costs

 

The mPrep System is designed for versatility. Our customers continue to develop new applications. Explore some TEM applications below.

Kidney (TEM)

Nanoparticles (TEM negative stain)

TEM applications

Biological tissue fixation, embedding and orientation

The mPrep System streamlines the entire tissue preparation and grid staining workflow.

Problems

Tissue prep for TEM can require dozens of reagent exchanges per specimen, using laboratory equipment not well suited for this purpose.  This presents microscopists with multiple challenges:

  • Difficulty achieving uniform processing times across multiple samples
  • Reagent consumption excessive relative to the amount required to ensure reaction
  • Achieving proper orientation is time consuming
  • Specimens damage from contact with air, vials, and transfer pipettes
  • Lost specimens when difficult to see or they stick to containers

 

mPrep Solutions

  • Automated walk-away reagent processing with the mPrep ASP-1000
  • Simultaneous processing of reagent exchanges assures uniform timing
  • Controlled reagent usage with pipettors = reduced reagent consumption
  • Accurate orientation in seconds using the mPrep Workstation
  • Encapsulated specimen reduces handling = fewer damaged specimens
  • Entrapped specimens are harder to lose. Will not float.
  • Labeled capsules are easy to track.

Cardiac muscle (TEM)

Skin (TEM)

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

Preparing Embedded TEM Specimens for Sectioning

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

Using the mPrep Workstation for Oriented and Unoriented Specimens

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

Webinar: Walk-away Biological Specimen Prep for the 21st Century Lab

This 18-minute webinar (broadcast 25 September 2019) presents how the ASP-1000 automates the preparation of biological specimens for TEM and SBEM (serial block face SEM) to provide walk-away convenience, reduced processing time, and easy clean-up. The webinar also discusses how the ASP-1000 provides pre-programmed protocols for preparing multiple tissues and for immunolabeling, and how users can easily modify existing or create new protocols.



mPrep specimen products

mPrep/s™ Capsules – 24 pack

24 capsules, 24 screens

Product SKU: 22405

$160.00

mPrep/s™ Capsules – 96 count

96 capsules, 96 screens

Product SKU: 22505

$528.00

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/f 30™ Standard Filter Coupler

16 filter couplers per pack

Product SKU: 31500

$54.00

mPrep/Bench™ Silicone Rack

96-well silicone rack for mPrep capsules

Product SKU: 34000

$105.00

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

]

Staining tissue sections on TEM grids

The mPrep System streamlines the entire tissue preparation and grid staining workflow.

Problems

Staining tissue sections on grids requires using fine forceps to transfer grids into grid boxes, onto stain droplets or staining apparatuses, back into grid boxes, and eventually onto the TEM stage. As a result, microscopists experience multiple challenges:

  • Grids are easily damaged
  • Handling grids is tedious
  • Grids are easily lost or mixed up
  • Difficulty achieving uniform staining times across multiple grids
  • Stains exposed to air can be contaminated, precipitate, and evaporate

 

mPrep solutions

  • Encapsulated grids reduce handling and damage.
  • Grids may only be directly handled at the microtome and the microscope
  • Grids in mPrep/g capsules are always labeled
  • Simultaneous processing assures uniform timing
  • Enclosed capsules reduce and can even eliminate air exposure

Learn more about staining tissue sections on TEM grids in the application notes below.

Heart (TEM)

Brain - Vampire bat (TEM)

Application Notes

Required

mPrep/g capsules to hold TEM grids

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

Recommended

Reagent reservoirs

Microwell plates

mPrep/Bench to seal capsule bottoms during long reagent treatments

Gilson Pipetman Neo (P200) pipettors bundled with mPrep/g capsules

mPrep/g Pipettor Kit single-channel

  • Single-channel pipettor
  • mPrep/s capsule pack
  • 96 pipette tips

mPrep/g Pipettor Kit eight-channel

  • Eight-channel pipettor
  • mPrep/g capsule pack
  • 96 pipette tips

Videos

Specimen and Grid Reagent Processing for TEM and SEM

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



mPrep grid products

mPrep/g™ Capsules – 16 pack

16 capsules

Product SKU: 21305

$54.00

mPrep/g™ Capsules – 96 count

96 capsules

Product SKU: 21505

$302.00

mPrep/f 30™ Standard Filter Coupler

16 filter couplers per pack

Product SKU: 31500

$54.00

mPrep/Bench™ Silicone Rack

96-well silicone rack for mPrep capsules

Product SKU: 34000

$105.00

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

12-Channel Reagent Reservoir – Single pack

12-channel reagent reservoir, polypropylene

Product SKU: 52501

$9.75

]

Negative staining of macromolecules

The mPrep system simplifies the preparation of macromolecular and particulate specimens for TEM.

Problems

Negative stain specimen preparation requires fine forceps to transfer filmed grids across droplets of macromolecule or particle suspensions, negative stains, and rinses.  This presents microscopists with multiple challenges:

  • Grids and support films are easily damaged
  • Handling grids is tedious
  • Grids are easily lost or mixed up
  • Limited quantities of specimen solutions may be available
  • Specimen and reagent solutions may evaporate, precipitate or be contaminated
  • Inconsistent adsorption and staining times across multiple grids

 

 mPrep  solutions

  • Encapsulated grids reduce handling and  damage
  • Grids with specimens may require direct handling only at the microscope
  • Grids in mPrep/g capsules are always labeled
  • Capsules require only 35 μl to prepare two grids
  • Enclosed capsules reduce or eliminate air exposure
  • Simultaneous processing assures uniform timing

DNA RecA (TEM negative stain)

Required

mPrep/g capsules to hold TEM grids

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

Recommended

Reagent reservoirs
Microwell plates
mPrep/bench to seal capsule bottoms during long reagent treatments

Gilson Pipetman Neo (P200) pipettors bundled with mPrep/g capsules.

mPrep/g Pipettor Kit single-channel

  • Single-channel pipettor
  • mPrep/s capsule pack
  • 96 pipette tips

mPrep/g Pipettor Kit eight-channel

  • Eight-channel pipettor
  • mPrep/g capsule pack
  • 96 pipette tips

Publications


Videos

Specimen and Grid Reagent Processing for TEM and SEM

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



mPrep grid products

mPrep/g™ Capsules – 16 pack

16 capsules

Product SKU: 21305

$54.00

mPrep/g™ Capsules – 96 count

96 capsules

Product SKU: 21505

$302.00

mPrep/f 30™ Standard Filter Coupler

16 filter couplers per pack

Product SKU: 31500

$54.00

mPrep/Bench™ Silicone Rack

96-well silicone rack for mPrep capsules

Product SKU: 34000

$105.00

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

12-Channel Reagent Reservoir – Single pack

12-channel reagent reservoir, polypropylene

Product SKU: 52501

$9.75

]

Preparing viruses on TEM grids

The mPrep system facilitates preparation of viruses and other microorganisms for TEM examination, including  those prepared in Biological Safety Level 3 or 4 laboratory suites.

Problems

Virus sample preparation for TEM requires using fine forceps to transfer filmed grids throughout the process.  Grids boxes may require decontamination prior to transfer to the TEM.

  • Grids and support films are easily damaged
  • Grids are easily lost or mixed up
  • Sharp forceps are a puncture risk to protective clothing
  • Grid handling is especially difficult wearing BSL3/4 positive pressure suits
  • Limited quantities of specimen solutions may be available
  • Specimen and reagent solutions exposed to air may evaporate, precipitate or be contaminated
  • Grids and grid storage containers require decontamination
  • Adsorption and staining times may be inconsistent across multiple grids

 

mPrep solutions

 

  • Encapsulated grids reduce handling and damage
  • Grids in mPrep/g capsules are always labeled
  • Forceps are not used for virus preparation
  • Direct handling of grids may require handling only at the microscope
  • Capsules require only 35 μl to prepare two grids
  • Enclosed capsules reduce or eliminate air exposure
  • Grids in capsules are decontaminated as a unit
  • Simultaneous processing assures uniform timing

T6 Phage (negative stain)

Ebola virus (negative stain)

Required

mPrep/g capsules to hold TEM grids
mPrep/f 13 extreme couplers to prevent introducing damaging reagents or viruses into pipettors
Pipettor (such as a Gilson P200 volume) to enable reagent pipetting into mPrep/s capsules

Recommended

Reagent reservoirs

Microwell plates

mPrep/bench to seal capsule bottoms during long reagent treatments

Gilson Pipetman Neo (P200) pipettors bundled with mPrep/g capsules.

mPrep/g Pipettor Kit single-channel

  • Single-channel pipettor
  • mPrep/s capsule pack
  • 96 pipette tips

mPrep/g Pipettor Kit eight-channel

  • Eight-channel pipettor
  • mPrep/g capsule pack
  • 96 pipette tips

mPrep grid products

mPrep/g™ Capsules – 16 pack

16 capsules

Product SKU: 21305

$54.00

mPrep/g™ Capsules – 96 count

96 capsules

Product SKU: 21505

$302.00

mPrep/f 30™ Standard Filter Coupler

16 filter couplers per pack

Product SKU: 31500

$54.00

mPrep/Bench™ Silicone Rack

96-well silicone rack for mPrep capsules

Product SKU: 34000

$105.00

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

12-Channel Reagent Reservoir – Single pack

12-channel reagent reservoir, polypropylene

Product SKU: 52501

$9.75

]

On Grid Immunogold labeling (IGL)

Immunogold labeling (IGL) or immunolabeling is a powerful methodology for localizing structures in biological specimens.

Problems

Immunolabeling tissue sections on TEM grids using “droplet” methods requires the timed transfer of multiple grids through a dozen reagents in a process that can take hours or even a full day. As a result, microscopists experience multiple challenges:

  • Difficultly achieving consistent reagent timing, which limits experimental reproducibility
  • Grids are easily damaged, lost, or mixed up
  • IGL reagents exposed to air can evaporate, precipitate or become contaminated
  • IGL reagents and antibodies are expensive

 

mPrep solutions

  • The mPrep System addresses these challenges:
    • Simultaneous processing assures identical reagent timing and reproducible results
    • Encapsulated grids are identified and protected from loss or damage
    • Enclosed capsules limit air exposure
    • mPrep/g capsules require only 20 ul per grid

 

Automated IGL with the mPrep ASP-1000

With the ASP-1000 the entire immunolabeling process is automated. Simply set up the reagents, start the program, and walk away for the rest of the day or overnight. Use with mPrep/g capsules for grids, and mPrep/s capsules for tissue en bloc IGL.

 

Manual IGL with a multi-channel pipettor

Using a multichannel pipettor ensures that reagent incubation timing is identical for all grids. Because grids are safely encapsulated reagent exchanges are fast and easy. Use with mPrep/s capsules for tissue en bloc IGL.

6 nm IGL, endosome complex, C. elegans

6 nm IGL, endosome complex, C. elegans

Required

mPrep/g capsules to hold TEM grids
mPrep/f couplers to prevent introducing reagents into the ASP-1000 or pipettors

ASP-1000 for automated immunogold labeling

Pipettor (such as a Gilson P200 volume) to enable reagent pipetting into mPrep/s capsules

mPrep/s capsules to hold tissue samples for en bloc IGL

Recommended

Microwell plates to hold reagents

Foil seals to cover reagents until use

Example: 1.5 mil thick  pierceable AlumaSeal II Film for PCR plates (Contact us for more information)


Videos

Webinar: Walk-away Biological Specimen Prep for the 21st Century Lab

This 18-minute webinar (broadcast 25 September 2019) presents how the ASP-1000 automates the preparation of biological specimens for TEM and SBEM (serial block face SEM) to provide walk-away convenience, reduced processing time, and easy clean-up. The webinar also discusses how the ASP-1000 provides pre-programmed protocols for preparing multiple tissues and for immunolabeling, and how users can easily modify existing or create new protocols.



mPrep grid products

mPrep/g™ Capsules – 16 pack

16 capsules

Product SKU: 21305

$54.00

mPrep/g™ Capsules – 96 count

96 capsules

Product SKU: 21505

$302.00

mPrep/f 30™ Standard Filter Coupler

16 filter couplers per pack

Product SKU: 31500

$54.00

mPrep/Bench™ Silicone Rack

96-well silicone rack for mPrep capsules

Product SKU: 34000

$105.00

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

12-Channel Reagent Reservoir – Single pack

12-channel reagent reservoir, polypropylene

Product SKU: 52501

$9.75

]

Colloidal gold fiducial markers for 3-D Tomography

Accurate image alignment is essential for 3-D image reconstruction in TEM tomography. Colloidal gold particles are used as fiducial markers to align the different tilt angle images of thick sections.

Problems

For successful image reconstruction colloidal gold fiducial markers must be distributed uniformly over both sides of the grid. The common protocol is to apply a droplet of a colloidal gold suspension to each grid, and then wick off the droplet after a short adsorption time. The result is that microscopists experience multiple challenges:

  • Inconsistent results from grid to grid
  • Uneven particle distributions on each grid and each grid side
  • Time consuming to prepare multiple grids
  • Grids are easily damaged, lost, or mixed up

 

mPrep solutions

The mPrep System addresses these challenges:

  • Consistent results on every grid
  • Uniform particle distribution on both grid sides
  • Automated or manual simultaneous preparation of up to 16 grids
  • Encapsulated grids are protected from damage or loss, and are always identified

 

Automated with the mPrep ASP-1000

Application of colloidal gold fiducial particles onto grids is fully automated with the mPrep ASP-1000. Colloidal gold particles are applied simultaneously to both sides of up to 16 grids. Automated agitation ensures consistent results.

 

Manual IGL with a multi-channel pipettor

Using mPrep/g capsules with an 8-channel pipettor, colloidal gold fiducial particles are applied simultaneously to both sides of up to 16 grids. With a multichannel pipettor, manual agitation ensures consistent results for multiple grids prepared simultaneously.

10 nm Au fiducial particle, 250 nm section

10 nm Au fiducial particle, 250 nm section

Required

mPrep/g capsules to hold TEM grids

mPrep/f couplers to prevent introducing reagents into the ASP-1000 or pipettors

ASP-1000 for automated immunogold labeling

Pipettor (such as a Gilson P200 volume) to enable reagent pipetting into mPrep/s capsules

Recommended

Microwell plates to hold reagents

Product Descriptions

mPrep grid products

mPrep/g™ Capsules – 16 pack

16 capsules

Product SKU: 21305

$54.00

mPrep/g™ Capsules – 96 count

96 capsules

Product SKU: 21505

$302.00

mPrep/f 30™ Standard Filter Coupler

16 filter couplers per pack

Product SKU: 31500

$54.00

mPrep/Bench™ Silicone Rack

96-well silicone rack for mPrep capsules

Product SKU: 34000

$105.00

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

12-Channel Reagent Reservoir – Single pack

12-channel reagent reservoir, polypropylene

Product SKU: 52501

$9.75

]

Preparing nanoparticles on TEM grids

The mPrep system simplifies the preparation of nanoparticles for TEM.

Problems

Nanoparticle specimen prep requires  forceps to transfer filmed grids through multiple reagents. Grids are stored in grid boxes until TEM imaging.

  • Grids and support films are easily damaged
  • Grids are easily lost or mixed up
  • Limited quantities of specimen solutions may be available
  • Specimen and reagent solutions may evaporate, precipitate or be contaminated
  • Adsorption and staining times may be inconsistent across multiple grids

 

mPrep solutions

  • Encapsulated grids reduce handling and damage
  • Grids in mPrep/g capsules are always labeled
  • Capsules require only 35 μl to prepare two grids
  • Enclosed capsules reduce or eliminate air exposure
  • Simultaneous processing assures uniform timing

Nanoparticles (TEM negative stain)

Required

mPrep/g capsules to hold TEM grids
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

Recommended

Reagent reservoirs

Microwell plates

mPrep/bench to seal capsule bottoms during long reagent treatments

Gilson Pipetman Neo (P200) pipettors bundled with mPrep/g capsules

mPrep/g Pipettor Kit single-channel

  • Single-channel pipettor
  • mPrep/s capsule pack
  • 96 pipette tips

mPrep/g Pipettor Kit eight-channel

  • Eight-channel pipettor
  • mPrep/g capsule pack
  • 96 pipette tips

mPrep grid products

mPrep/g™ Capsules – 16 pack

16 capsules

Product SKU: 21305

$54.00

mPrep/g™ Capsules – 96 count

96 capsules

Product SKU: 21505

$302.00

mPrep/f 30™ Standard Filter Coupler

16 filter couplers per pack

Product SKU: 31500

$54.00

mPrep/Bench™ Silicone Rack

96-well silicone rack for mPrep capsules

Product SKU: 34000

$105.00

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

12-Channel Reagent Reservoir – Single pack

12-channel reagent reservoir, polypropylene

Product SKU: 52501

$9.75

]