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 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.