Leica EM AFS2 Freeze Substitution and Low-Temperature Embedding Unit

Freeze-Substitution Leica

The Leica EM AFS2 performs freeze substitution (FS), which is the process of dehydration performed at temperatures low enough to avoid the formation of ice crystals and prevent the damaging effects often observed after ambient temperature dehydration. The FS process links the instant physical fixation of your samples via cryo-fixation (https://mrl.illinois.edu/facilities/equipment/High-Pressure-Freezer-Leica) and traditional resin embedding. Once FS is complete, samples are gradually warmed and processed similar to conventionally prepared samples. In many cases, automated sample processing can also be completed with the Leica EM FSP unit (ask staff for more information). Successful cryo-fixation followed by FS shows superior preservation of find structures compared to chemical fixation techniques.

For examples of what this instrument can do, please see: https://www.leica-microsystems.com/science-lab/life-science/brief-introduction-to-freeze-substitution/

Specifications:

• Types of Samples: Ideal for HPF-frozen samples in planchets or free-floating tissues
• Available holders: cryo-tubes for manual use, flow-through rings or flat embedding molds for use with FSP unit
• Applications: Freeze-substitution and resin embedding for conventional TEM or SEM analysis

Have an idea that’s not listed here? Just ask! 

This tool can be found in the CARVER BioMaker Laboratory, MRL 0016