Abstract: There is disclosed an automated apparatus, reagents and process for immunocytochemical staining of biological materials using ligand pairing. The present invention provides a method for storing a ligand in a macroscopic solid support and releasing the ligand into contact with a biological sample mounted on a surface of a substrate. The process includes providing a macroscopic solid support formed of a solidified matrix material encapsulating a ligand therein with the macroscopic solid support being disintegratable to release the ligand therefrom. The solid support is placed in a first chamber which is in flow communication with a second chamber containing the substrate with the biological sample affixed thereto. The step of disintegrating the macroscopic solid support may include heating the macroscopic solid support to liquefy it when the matrix material is gelatin or a wax.

Abstract: There is disclosed an automated apparatus and process for immunocytochemical staining of biological materials using ligand pairing. The apparatus includes an array of sample cells interconnected with reagent supply and drainage lines. Each cell encloses a fluid chamber into which a sample substrate is inserted. The face of the substrate onto which a biological sample is mounted faces into a fluid well. The cell includes a cell head having a chamber to receive therein a solid support matrix releasably containing a ligand to be contacted with the sample. The chamber in the cell head is in flow communication with the fluid well so that when the ligand is released from the matrix it flows into the fluid well thereby contacting the mounted biological sample. The ligand support matrix may be gelatin or wax.