We have a surplus of positively charged slides (Superfrost Plus Microscope Slides) since they did not perform well with small zebrafish brain slices, which were washed off from these slides during the Nissl staining. I am wondering if I can still cover them with poly-lysine. I have doubts because both charged slides and poly-lysine are positively charged, so they could potentially repel each other due to electrostatic forces. Please share your thoughts and experience! Thank you!
Hi Dr. Olga Burenkova
The Positively charged slides usually have a coating of poly-lysine or similar positively charged molecules. Applying additional poly-lysine wouldn't provide any benefit and might hinder adhesion due to over-positivization.
* If the Superfrost Plus Microscope Slides are not working well, you can coat normal slides with poly-lysine and use it for staining or procure autofrost slides from another company.
Thanks,
Thank you so much for your advice, Samir! I revealed from this post (https://www.researchgate.net/post/Any-ways-of-improving-tissue-adhesion-onto-charged-slides) that there are some problems with charged slides when working with tiny slices so I'll try to coat regular ones with poly-lysine
Hi Olga Burenkova
Yes, Small sections fall of most of the time during staining process. I have observed drying for 1-2 hrs before staining the sections and ice-cold methanol fixation for 10mins helps in reducing the detachment of small tissues from slides.
* You can also try coating regular slides and use.
Best of luck.
Thanks,