Embedding Free-Floating Cells And Microscopic Particles - Serum Albumin Coagulum - Epoxy Resin

Small quantities of cells or microscopic particles are fixed in suspension, centrifuged at low speed in a conical tube and the supernatant fluid removed as completely as possible. The pellet is resuspended in 0.25 ml of 2% bovine serum albumin (in 0.05 M Tris buffer, pH 7.5) and transferred to a small, conical cellulose tube (Beckman #303369). One drop of 25% glutaraldehyde is mixed with the suspension and the tube is quickly centrifuged in a swinging bucket rotor. A gel forms in about 5 min and the coagulum can be cut and processed through embedding like small blocks of tissue.