Cell Fixing Protocols

Treating cells with paraformaldehyde leads to the establishment of chemical cross-links between free amino groups. When the cross-links join different molecules, a latticework of interactions occurs that holds the overall architecture of the cell together. Commercial formaldehyde solutions are not recommended, because they lack the advantages of using a variable-length polymer, and the cells will simultaneously be fixed with the alcohol (usually methanol). - [Read Fixing Attached Cells in Paraformaldehyde Protocol]

Organic solvents such as alcohols and acetone remove lipids and dehydrate cells, precipitating the proteins on the cellular architecture. Be aware that different antigens may be affected differently by the various solvents. If no previous data are available for your antigen, start with the 50/50 mixture. For tissue culture dishes, concentrations of acetone higher than 50% will destroy the integrity of the plastic. - [Read Fixing Attached Cells in Organic Solvents Protocol]

Treating cells with paraformaldehyde leads to the establishment of chemical cross-links between free amino groups. When the cross-links join different molecules, a latticework of interactions occurs that holds the overall architecture of the cell together. - [Read Fixing Suspension Cells with Paraformaldehyde Protocol]

Mounting media for immunohistology must be compatible with the detection method used. Suitable aqueous media are made from Gelvatol or Mowiol. - [Read Mounting Samples in Gelvatol or Mowiol Protocol]

Mounting media for immunohistology must be compatible with the detection method used. A suitable non-aqueous mounting medium is DPX. - [Read Mounting Samples in DPX Protocol]