Coating superfrost microscope slides with gelatin-chromium potassium sulfate
Benjamin Trist, Alejandra Rangel, Rain Kwan
Abstract
This protocol describes how to coat microscope slides with gelatin-chromium potassium sulfate (gelatin-chrom alum) in preparation for histology or immunohistochemical analysis of thin tissue sections. Slides coated with gelatin-chrom alum exhibit much better retention of tissues mounted after free-floating immunohistochemical staining, especially during alcohol and xylene dehydration steps immediately prior to mounting media embedding and cover slipping.
Attachments
Steps
Experimental Outline
Place heated magnetic stirrer in fume hood.
Pre-heat oven to 42°C.
Heat 1L dH20 to 50°C - 60°C and completely dissolve 10g gelatin with aid of magnetic stirrer.
Add 1g chromium potassium sulfate - solution should turn a pale green/blue and be completely clear.
Once dissolved reduce temperature to 40°C-50°C.
Place slides for coating into designated slide coating rack(s).
Dip rack of slides into warm (40°C-50°C) gel mixture for approximately 0h 0m 20s-0h 0m 30s.
Shake the excess liquid from the rack.
Repeat steps 7 and 8.
Place slide rack(s) to dry in the oven at 42°C for 48h 0m 0s.
Store slides in dust-free slide storage box.
Discard Gelatin-Chrom Alum solution into appropriate waste container.
