Scanning EM

This is a standard method for Scanning Electron Microscopy. Specimens vary greatly and the final protocol should be decided by referring to text books and publications.

Fixation

Fix in 2% Gluteraldehyde in Sorensons Phosphate Buffer overnight (minimum).

Rinse in Sorensons Phosphate Buffer 2x 15 mins.

Dehydration

25% ethanol: 30 mins. 50% ethanol: 30 mins. 75% ethanol: 30 mins. 100% ethanol: 1 hr. 100% ethanol: 1 hr.

Once in 100% ethanol, samples are dried using a Baltec Critical Point Dryer.

Mounting

Mount of an aluminium stub with Achesons Silver ElectroDag.

Gold coating

Coat with 15nm of gold using a Polaron SEM Coating Unit.