Epoxy resin embedding is a fundamental technique in transmission electron microscopy (TEM), used to preserve and analyze biological structures and materials at the ultrastructural level. This process enables the preparation of ultrathin sections, essential for studying cellular and molecular details with unparalleled resolution. In this article, we will guide you step-by-step through the epoxy resin embedding protocol, explaining the purpose of each stage and its importance in sample preparation for TEM. 1. Fixation with Glutaraldehyde The initial fixation stabilizes cellular structures and prevents degradation. Glutaraldehyde reacts with amino groups in proteins, forming cross-links that preserve cellular morphology. Immerse the sample in a 2–4% glutaraldehyde solution in 0.1 M phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). Incubate for 2–4 hours at 4 °C. 2. Postfixation with Osmium Tetroxide (OsO₄) OsO₄ fixes lipids and enhances contrast by acting as an electron-dense agent, facilitating the visualizati...
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