Scanning EM

• This is a standard method for preparing samples 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 on an aluminium stub with Achesons Silver ElectroDag.

Gold coating

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