Transmission electron microscope sample preparation ultrathin section mass staining device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of transmission electron microscope ultrathin section batch dyeing field, more specifically it relates to a kind of transmission electron microscope sample preparation ultrathin section mass dyeing device, including working pipe and ear bulb, hollow formation containing cavity in working pipe, two ends are inlet end and dyeing end, there is elastic clamping element in containing cavity, the clamping cutout of its surface clamps net edge, dyeing end is tapered and shrinks and end size is less than elastic clamping element, inlet end is equipped with sealing assembly to isolate air, ear bulb is used to suck dyeing solution.Elastic clamping element is strip, multiple un-penetrating clamping cutouts are staggered distribution in two sides, there is guiding strip and elastic clamping element sliding fit in containing cavity inner wall.Sealing assembly includes rubber tube and sealing film to form double seal.Dyeing end has detachable filter cartridge, working pipe is transparent material and outer wrap tin paper light-shielding layer.The utility model reduces equipment cost and maintenance difficulty while ensuring mass dyeing quality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of batch staining of ultrathin sections for transmission electron microscopy, and more specifically to a device for batch staining of ultrathin sections prepared for transmission electron microscopy. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in the field of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) sample preparation, ultrathin sections are typically 50-70 nm thick. Due to their extremely thin nature, there are still many limitations in staining. Regarding equipment applicability, both domestically produced and imported commercially available staining devices are expensive, often using customized components, resulting in high maintenance costs. Furthermore, their complex structural design requires specialized tools or technicians for assembly, making them difficult to popularize in small and medium-sized laboratories or grassroots research units. This is especially true for service-oriented laboratories, where equipment procurement and maintenance costs further increase workload. In scenarios involving large-scale biobank testing or bulk material screening, frequent changes of staining solutions and repetitive operations are necessary, leading to a surge in time costs and reagent consumption. Although existing technologies offer small-batch staining devices, there is still a lack of effective solutions for large-scale staining needs, failing to meet the demands for increased efficiency and sample processing scale in practical work.

[0003] Furthermore, regarding staining quality, most staining devices employ open or inefficiently sealed structures, making it difficult to prevent the permeation of ambient gases. Carbon dioxide in the air continuously reacts with lead salt reagents, producing lead carbonate precipitates that easily adhere to the surface of the slides, causing background fogging and reduced microstructural clarity, thus affecting the accuracy of observation results. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model provides a large-scale staining device for ultrathin sections prepared for transmission electron microscopy, which solves the technical problems of high cost, complex installation, unstable staining quality, and inability to stain in large quantities in existing technologies.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] This invention provides a device for large-scale staining of ultrathin sections prepared for transmission electron microscopy, comprising a working tube and a syringe bulb. The working tube has a hollow interior forming a receiving cavity, with an inlet end and a staining end communicating with each other at both ends. The syringe bulb is used to draw staining solution into the receiving cavity and is detachably connected to the working tube.

[0007] The cavity is provided with an elastic clamping member, and the surface of the elastic clamping member has multiple non-penetrating clamping slits, which are used to clamp the edge of the grid that carries the electron microscope slices.

[0008] The dyeing end has a tapered tapered structure, and the end dimension of the dyeing end is smaller than the dimension of the elastic clamping member.

[0009] The inlet end of the working tube is provided with a sealing component to isolate the receiving cavity from the outside air.

[0010] The present invention is further configured such that: the elastic clamping member is a strip-shaped structure, and the clamping cuts are all parallel to the length direction of the strip-shaped structure and are staggered on both sides of the elastic clamping member.

[0011] The present invention is further configured such that: the inner wall of the receiving cavity is provided with two guide strips that extend axially and slide in cooperation with the elastic clamping member.

[0012] The present invention is further configured such that: the sealing assembly includes a rubber tube made of elastic material, one end of which extends axially into the cavity and is sealed and fitted against the cavity wall.

[0013] The present invention is further configured such that: the sealing assembly also includes a sealing film disposed at the inlet end connection between the rubber tube and the working tube, the sealing film being made of stretchable polytetrafluoroethylene material, which is wrapped around the connection to form a double sealing structure.

[0014] The present invention is further configured such that: a detachable filter tube is provided at the end of the dyeing end, and the filter tube is interference-fitted with the dyeing end.

[0015] The present invention is further configured such that the working tube is made of a transparent material.

[0016] The present invention is further configured such that: the outer surface of the working tube is wrapped with a light-shielding layer, and the light-shielding layer is tin foil.

[0017] In summary, this utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0018] This invention utilizes a non-penetrating clamping slit structure with staggered distribution on both sides of the elastic clamping component to achieve stable clamping of the grid edge, ensuring firm clamping and high adaptability during simultaneous staining of large batches of samples, and reducing operational errors. The axial guide strip structure within the receiving cavity provides smooth sliding support for the elastic clamping component, preventing displacement caused by manual operation. The double-sealed structure at the inlet end of the working tube, consisting of a rubber tube and a sealing film, effectively prevents the infiltration of external gases, avoiding contamination during the staining process. The tapered tapered structure at the staining end and the removable filter cartridge at the end effectively trap impurities, facilitating maintenance and replacement. The working tube employs a combination of transparent material and an external light-shielding layer, facilitating liquid level observation while suppressing the photolysis reaction of photosensitive reagents. This invention reduces equipment costs and maintenance difficulty while ensuring high-quality staining in large batches. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the utility model in use;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the working tube of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the elastic clamping component structure of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a partially enlarged structural schematic diagram of this utility model.

[0023] Reference numerals: 1. Working tube; 2. Receiving cavity; 3. Elastic clamping element; 5. Guide bar; 6. Ear syringe bulb; 7. Filter cylinder; 101. Inlet end; 102. Dyeing end; 301. Clamping incision; 401. Rubber tube; 501. Sealing film. Detailed Implementation

[0024] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0025] To make the objectives, solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the following detailed description of this utility model is provided in conjunction with the embodiments and accompanying drawings. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of this utility model are only used to explain this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0026] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these specific details are not necessary to implement the present invention. In other embodiments, well-known structures, circuits, materials, or methods are not specifically described in order to avoid obscuring the present invention.

[0027] In the description of this utility model, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "up", "down", "vertical", "horizontal", "high", "low", "inner", and "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0028] The following is in conjunction with the appendix of this utility model. Figures 1-4 The embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below.

[0029] Example 1:

[0030] This embodiment provides a device for mass staining of ultrathin sections prepared for transmission electron microscopy (TEM), comprising a working tube 1 and a syringe bulb 6. The working tube 1 has a hollow interior forming a receiving cavity 2, with an inlet end 101 and a staining end 102 communicating with each other at both ends. An elastic clamping member 3 is disposed within the receiving cavity 2, and the surface of the elastic clamping member 3 has multiple non-penetrating clamping slits 301. These slits 301 are used to clamp the edges of the grids supporting the TEM sections. The hollow receiving cavity 2 provides ample space for the elastic clamping member 3, allowing a single clamping member to clamp multiple grid edges through the clamping slits 301, avoiding contact with the 50-70nm ultrathin sections, reducing the risk of section detachment due to physical damage, and facilitating mass staining. The non-penetrating clamping slits 301 ensure uniform clamping force; the non-penetrating slits form elastic clamping arms, providing controllable clamping force through localized deformation, avoiding damage to the ultrathin sections and preventing accelerated material wear due to penetrating slits.

[0031] The staining end 102 has a tapered, tapered structure, and its end size is smaller than that of the elastic clamp 3, forming a mechanical stop to prevent the clamp from slipping out during liquid aspiration. Simultaneously, it guides the dye solution to rise at a uniform speed, avoiding turbulent impact on the slices and improving staining uniformity. The syringe bulb 6 is used to draw dye solution into the receiving cavity 2 and is detachably connected to the working tube 1 via a rope or flexible tube, allowing for use as needed. The through-end inlet 101 and staining end 102 form a straight flow channel. Combined with the negative pressure suction of the syringe bulb 6, it can quickly draw dye solution to cover the entire carrier net, significantly improving efficiency compared to traditional manual drip staining. The inlet 101 of the working tube 1 is equipped with a sealing component to isolate the receiving cavity 2 from the outside air. This sealing component effectively prevents dye solution evaporation, avoids changes in dye solution concentration, reduces waste, and maintains consistent staining results. This also inhibits the formation of lead carbonate precipitate after the reaction of lead salts and carbon dioxide during subsequent staining processes.

[0032] Furthermore, the working tube 1 can be made of transparent materials such as plexiglass or borosilicate glass. The transparent material allows direct observation of whether the dye solution in the receiving cavity 2 becomes cloudy, precipitates, or changes color, providing early warning of staining abnormalities and preventing the entire batch of samples from being discarded due to reagent failure. In addition, in scenarios where light protection is required, the transparency of the tube wall allows observation of whether the light-shielding layer is completely covered, balancing the need for light protection with liquid level monitoring and avoiding the risks associated with blind operation under complete light protection.

[0033] For reference, the working tube 1 is made of materials commonly used in ordinary laboratories and electron microscopy laboratories. Commonly used 20 ml and 25 ml glass pipettes are selected. The tail end is cut off with a grinding wheel. 1-2 cm from the end, the cut is then sanded smooth with sandpaper to form a smooth and burr-free inlet end 101, ensuring a tight fit with the sealing component.

[0034] Example 2:

[0035] To further meet the reliability requirements of large-scale staining for sample processing, this embodiment is based on the above embodiment and refers to... Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the elastic clamping member 3 is a strip-shaped structure, and the clamping cuts 301 are distributed parallel and interlaced on both sides of the strip-shaped structure along its length.

[0036] Parallel clamping slits 301 are arranged along the axial direction of the elastic clamping member 3, and clamping points are arranged in parallel using the surface area of ​​the strip structure. The staggered distribution on both sides ensures that the nets are symmetrically subjected to force on both sides of the elastic clamping member 3, which counteracts the fluid impact force and suppresses the tilting of the nets. The regular arrangement of the parallel slits 301 provides guidance and positioning for the nets. The strip structure is axially adapted to the working tube cavity 2 and can be slidably clamped, simplifying the operation process. Moreover, the slits 301 are opened along the elastic extension direction of the elastic clamping member 3, and a stable clamping force is generated through local deformation, preventing the overall structure from losing its elasticity.

[0037] For reference, the elastic clamping member 3 can be a rubber embedding plate, which is essential in an electron microscopy laboratory. A suitable rubber strip is cut along the axis of the plate with a blade, and non-penetrating clamping cuts 301 are made parallel to each other on both sides of the plate along the length direction. The width of the cuts can be adjusted according to the specifications of the carrier mesh. The elastic deformation of the rubber is used to achieve stable clamping of the carrier mesh. This manufacturing method is low in cost and easy to operate. It can be completed in 5 minutes with only a blade. The structure is reliable and adaptable to the axial sliding clamping requirements of the receiving cavity 2.

[0038] Example 3:

[0039] To further improve clamping efficiency, dyeing uniformity, ease of operation, and structural stability during batch processing, this embodiment is based on the above embodiment and refers to... Figure 2 , Figure 4 As shown.

[0040] In this embodiment, the inner wall of the receiving cavity 2 is provided with two axially extending guide strips 5 that slide in cooperation with the elastic clamping member 3. The function of the two axially extending guide strips 5 on the inner wall of the receiving cavity 2 is to form a linear guiding structure with the elastic clamping member 3, guiding the strip-shaped elastic clamping member 3 to be smoothly inserted or removed along the axial direction of the working tube 1, avoiding radial shaking of the elastic clamping member 3 that could cause collision with the carrier net. Its beneficial effect is that the limiting effect of the guide strips 5 improves the clamping efficiency, allowing the elastic clamping member 3 to quickly slide into the designated position in the receiving cavity 2 and maintain its central positioning. At the same time, it allows multiple layers of elastic clamping members 3 to be stacked vertically in the receiving cavity 2 without contacting each other, ensuring that the dye liquor flows evenly through the carrier net, enhancing dyeing consistency and structural stability. It can also adapt to elastic clamping members 3 of different widths by adjusting the spacing of the guide strips 5. During implementation, if the working tube 1 is made of glass, silicone strips or polytetrafluoroethylene strips can be used to adhere axially along the inner wall of the receiving cavity 2 with adhesive; if it is made of plastic, a convex guide strip 5 can be directly formed on the inner wall of the receiving cavity 2 through injection molding. In both cases, it is necessary to ensure that the guide strip 5 slides smoothly with the elastic clamping part 3 and forms a mechanical constraint.

[0041] Example 4:

[0042] This embodiment is based on the above embodiment, with reference to... Figure 1 As shown, the sealing assembly includes a rubber tube 401 made of elastic material. One end of the rubber tube 401 extends axially into the cavity 2 and is sealed against the cavity wall. When drawing the dye solution, the rubber tube 401 is first folded in the opposite direction to effectively prevent dye solution leakage or air backflow, ensuring the sealing of the syringe bulb 6 during the liquid aspiration or drainage process. During the dyeing process, tools such as hemostatic forceps or clamps can be used to clamp the part of the rubber tube 401 exposed in the working tube 1 to further prevent air from entering the cavity from the gap between the clamp and the tube wall.

[0043] Furthermore, the sealing assembly also includes a sealing film 501 disposed at the connection between the rubber tube 401 and the inlet end 101 of the working tube 1. The sealing film 501 is made of stretchable polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material, which is wound around the connection to form a double sealing structure. PTFE material can resist the corrosion of various dye solutions, ensuring that the sealing performance is not affected by chemical corrosion during long-term use, greatly extending the service life of the sealing assembly. Secondly, its stretchable characteristics allow the sealing film 501 to fit tightly against the connection between the rubber tube 401 and the inlet end 101, achieving a seamless seal regardless of the irregular shape of the connection, further enhancing the overall sealing performance and effectively preventing dye leakage and air backflow. Moreover, this double sealing structure provides a higher tolerance for errors in the operation process. Even if there are minor flaws in the initial seal of the rubber tube 401, the sealing film 501 can promptly compensate, ensuring the stability and reliability of the dyeing process.

[0044] Example 5:

[0045] To further enhance sample safety during the staining process, this embodiment is based on the above embodiment; please refer to [link / reference needed]. Figure 1 , Figure 3 In this embodiment, the end of the staining end 102 is provided with a detachable filter cartridge 7, which is press-fitted into the staining end 102. In use, the filter cartridge 7 is simply pressed into the end of the staining end 102 by hand, and secured using the tight fit. It can be pulled out in the reverse direction for disassembly. When the staining solution is contaminated by impurities, the filter screen structure of the filter cartridge 7 can intercept these impurities, preventing sample contamination or damage to the slide caused by impact on the screen. The detachable structure facilitates cleaning and reuse, and the tool-free manual disassembly and assembly simplifies the operation process.

[0046] Example 6:

[0047] When the dye solution used in the dyeing process is photosensitive and prone to decomposition, oxidation, or deterioration due to light exposure, a light-shielding layer needs to be placed on the outer surface of the working tube 1. In this embodiment, the outer surface of the working tube 1 is wrapped with a light-shielding layer, which is aluminum foil. Aluminum foil is chosen because it is a common and low-cost consumable in laboratories. It can be directly cut and wrapped around the outer surface of the working tube without the need for additional tools, making the operation simple. The metallic structure of aluminum foil can effectively block visible light and ultraviolet rays, preventing photosensitive dye solutions such as osmium tetroxide and uranium tin oxide from decomposing and failing due to light exposure, ensuring stable dyeing results. It also has a certain degree of heat insulation, reducing the impact of ambient temperature on the dye solution. It achieves effective protection of the dyeing process at low cost and is suitable for use in various laboratories.

[0048] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of this utility model. It should be understood that the above description is only a specific embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A device for large-scale staining of ultrathin sections for transmission electron microscopy, comprising a working tube (1) and a syringe bulb (6), characterized in that: The working tube (1) has a hollow interior forming a receiving cavity (2), with an inlet end (101) and a dyeing end (102) that are interconnected at both ends; the ear syringe (6) is used to draw dye into the receiving cavity (2) and is detachably connected to the working tube (1); The cavity (2) is provided with an elastic clamping member (3), and the surface of the elastic clamping member (3) is provided with a plurality of non-penetrating clamping cuts (301), which are used to clamp the edge of the grid that carries the electron microscope slice; The dyeing end (102) has a tapered tapered structure, and the end size of the dyeing end (102) is smaller than the size of the elastic clamp (3); The inlet end (101) of the working tube (1) is provided with a sealing assembly for isolating the receiving cavity (2) from the outside air.

2. The transmission electron microscope sample preparation and ultrathin section mass staining device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The elastic clamping member (3) is a strip-shaped structure, and the clamping cuts (301) are all parallel to the length direction of the strip-shaped structure and are staggered on both sides of the elastic clamping member (3).

3. The transmission electron microscope sample preparation and ultrathin section mass staining device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The inner wall of the receiving cavity (2) is provided with two guide strips (5) that extend axially and slide in cooperation with the elastic clamping member (3).

4. The transmission electron microscope sample preparation and ultrathin section large-scale staining device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sealing assembly includes a rubber tube (401) of elastic material, one end of which extends axially into the cavity (2) and seals against the cavity wall.

5. The transmission electron microscope sample preparation and ultrathin section mass staining device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The sealing assembly also includes a sealing film (501) disposed at the connection between the rubber tube (401) and the inlet end (101) of the working tube (1). The sealing film (501) is made of stretchable polytetrafluoroethylene material and is wrapped around the connection to form a double sealing structure.

6. The transmission electron microscope sample preparation and ultrathin section mass staining device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The dyeing end (102) is provided with a detachable filter cartridge (7), which is interference-fitted with the dyeing end (102).

7. The transmission electron microscope sample preparation and ultrathin section mass staining apparatus according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: The working tube (1) is made of transparent material.

8. The transmission electron microscope sample preparation and ultrathin section mass staining device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The outer surface of the working tube (1) is covered with a light-shielding layer, which is tin foil.

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