From Kendall, there is the "PARAPLAST plus*" which is a nice embedding medium (Paraffin + small amount of DMSO for fast infiltration).
Hope it helps
Try resin-based methods (Technovit) or use cryostat microtome for better sectioning
For preparing samples for cutting with a microtome, histology-grade paraffin wax is recommended. This type of paraffin is specifically formulated for embedding biological tissues, ensuring optimal sectioning quality and preservation of tissue morphology. Here are the key characteristics of histology-grade paraffin wax:
Purity: Histology-grade paraffin is highly purified to eliminate contaminants that might interfere with tissue preservation and staining.
Melting Point: Typically, the melting point of histology paraffin ranges between 56°C to 60°C. This range allows the paraffin to be liquid enough to infiltrate tissues thoroughly but solidify quickly and uniformly.
Plasticity: The wax should have good plasticity, which ensures it can provide a firm but flexible support matrix around the tissue. This characteristic helps in achieving thin, continuous sections without crumbling.
Stability: It should be chemically stable to prevent any reactions with the tissue that could affect staining or other downstream applications.
Some popular brands and types of histology paraffin include:
Paraplast: A common brand that is known for its high purity and suitable melting point.
Tissue-Tek: Another widely used brand offering consistent quality for histological applications.
Histoplast: Provides good infiltration properties and sectioning quality.
When choosing a paraffin, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for melting and embedding procedures to ensure the best results in tissue processing and sectioning.
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