Apparatus and method for cryopreparing biological tissue for ultrastructural analysis

摘要

This invention relates to apparatus for the cryopreparation of biological tissue samples for ultrastructural analysis. The use of the apparatus comprises vitrifying a biological tissue sample under cryogenic temperature conditions and ultra low vacuum conditions. The depressurized, vitrified tissue sample is brought to equilibrium in a thermally conductive sample holder at a temperature of less than -140 DEG C. The tissue sample is then dehydrated while maintained in a state of thermal equilibrium. After reaching equilibrium the tissue sample is optionally infiltrated with a degassed resin followed by a polymerization of the resin to form an embedded tissue sample.