Glycol Dimethacrylate Embedding Medium for Electron Charge Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopy techniques, particularly electron microscopy, face challenges with the use of heavy metal salts as contrast agents, which cause contamination, alter biological properties, and result in electronic charge accumulation leading to poor imaging quality, while alternative methods are either aggressive or require additional sample preparation steps.
Innovation Solution
An embedding medium composed of glycol dimethacrylate, polyalkylene glycol diacrylate, and a polymerization initiator is used to create an electro-conductive material that effectively dissipates electron charges and preserves the native fluorescence and ultrastructure of biological samples during imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If heavy metal salts are used as contrast agents, then imaging contrast is improved, but electronic charge accumulation occurs leading to poor imaging quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes heavy metal salts from the embedding medium formulation, extracting the harmful contrast-enhancing component while seeking alternative mechanisms for achieving both contrast and charge dissipation through organic compounds with appropriate electron affinity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces organic compounds with specific electron affinity as intermediary substances that mediate between the electron beam and the sample, providing both contrast enhancement and charge dissipation functions without the harmful effects of heavy metals
2Reliability
If fixatives and contrasting agents are used, then sample preservation is improved, but biological properties are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the embedding medium by using organic compounds with controlled electron affinity instead of traditional fixatives and contrasting agents, maintaining sample preservation while avoiding biological property alteration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite embedding medium formulation combining organic compounds with specific electron affinity properties, achieving both preservation and minimal biological interference through material composition optimization
3Measurement precision
If heavy metal salts are used, then contrast is enhanced, but waste reprocessing problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts heavy metal salts from the embedding medium, eliminating the source of toxic waste and reprocessing problems while maintaining imaging functionality through alternative organic compounds
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs organic compounds that can be more easily disposed of or degraded compared to persistent heavy metal contaminants, reducing long-term waste management burdens
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The embedding medium provides improved imaging contrast and maintains the biological sample's integrity and fluorescence, reducing the need for heavy metal salts and minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the electro-conductive material resulting from the polymerization of the embedding medium of the invention
Implementation Method 2
a composition comprising or being constituted of a mixture of (i) glycol dimethacrylate, (ii) polyalkylene glycol diacrylate and/or polyalkylene glycol methacrylate, and (iii) an initiator
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~5D
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of microscopy, preferably electron microscopy. Especially, the present invention concerns an embedding medium for imaging a biological sample by microscopy comprising: - from 60% to 99% wt. of a glycol dimethacrylate selected from alkyiene glycol dimethacrylate and/or oligo( alkyiene glycol) dimethacrylate; - from 0% to 38% wt. of a polyalkyiene glycol diacrylate or of a polyalkylene glycol methacrylate; said polyalkylene glycol diacrylate or polyalkylene glycol methacrylate being optionally substituted by at least one hydrophilic group such as hydroxyl, amino, or an oxo group; - at least one additive, preferably comprising at least one heavy metal salt or lanthanide salt; and - from 0.1% to 2% wt. of a radical polymerization initiator. The present invention also refers to the electro-conductive material resulting from the polymerization of the embedding medium of the invention, and the process and kits of preparation thereof; said material embedding at least one biological sample. The present invention also relates to a method for imaging by microscopy, a biological sample comprising using the embedding medium and/or the electro-conductive material of the invention.