Correlative Microscopy Coverslips, 20x20 grid of 0.5mm squares, pack 25

These film coverslips, with a grid image, allow cells to grow and then be analyzed under brightfield or fluorescence microscopy before being further processed and sectioned for EM or other analysis.

Correlative Microscope Coverslips are made on a special polyester base film which is 0.18mm thick. There is no absolute tolerance specified on the thickness of the film. All coverslips for correlative microscopy are produced on this film at a size of 22 mm x 22 mm.

Hints and Tips for Use:
Use with Fluorescent Microscopes: Correlative microscopy coverslips are not designed to replace the glass or quartz coverslips, which have superior optical properties, and are far better for fluorescent microscopy. The film itself has a structure which can be visible under certain light conditions, especially with fluorescence. The correlative microscopy coverslips are designed to satisfy the needs of correlative microscopy where an initial, general analysis is performed using light or fluorescent microscopy and then the specimen is further processed for analysis by SEM, TEM or cryofixation.
If one needs to perform a detailed analysis using fluorescent microscopy then the correlative microscopy coverslips are not the solution. If however, you want to perform a comprehensive analysis using different analysis techniques then the correlative microscopy coverslips are the best solution. The key advantage of the correlative microscopy coverslips is that they are made on special film that can be cut or punched (for cryo applications), something that is not possible with glass coverslips. The grid image is also transferred to any embedded specimen making cell location far easier.
 

Best Types of Resin to Use:
Because this is a relatively new technology it often requires a change in the preparation method. The method that the customer has traditionally used for glass coverslips may not be suitable for these film ones.

A key item to the successful use of these correlative microscopy coverslips is the type of resin and the preparation used. It is important to ensure a hermetic seal between the BEEM capsule and the correlative microscopy coverslips film. The preparation works very well with low viscosity epoxy resins (eg SPI-Pon). Sufficient polymerization is typically obtained in 24 hours at 60C – it does not normally require 48 hours.  

Cleaning the Coverslips:
Always clean the coverslips before applying the specimen. This can be done either with UV light or alcohol. After using alcohol it is best to immerse the coverslip in polysyline to give better adhesion (just using alcohol can leave the surface ‘too clean and too smooth’).