Abstract: Disclosed are a procedure and system for live monitoring of staining quality and heavy metal diffusion during electron microscopy preparation protocols for biological samples. The disclosed approach employs x-rays via, e.g., a commercially available micro-CT device, to observe and measure the diffusion and distribution of the heavy metals during conventional biological sample staining procedures for electron microscopy. This allows one to observe and check the quality and homogeneity of the staining without damaging or destroying the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are a procedure and system for live monitoring of staining quality and heavy metal diffusion during electron microscopy preparation protocols for biological samples. The disclosed approach employs x-rays via, e.g., a commercially available micro-CT device, to observe and measure the diffusion and distribution of the heavy metals during conventional biological sample staining procedures for electron microscopy. This allows one to observe and check the quality and homogeneity of the staining without damaging or destroying the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing a sample for microscopy, said method comprising the steps of contacting said sample with a first polymerizable resin under conditions and for a time sufficient for penetration of said first polymerizable resin into the sample, removing excessive first polymerizable resin from the surface of the sample, contacting the so-prepared sample containing said first polymerizable resin with a second polymerizable resin preparation, said second polymerizable resin preparation comprising a high concentration of electrically conductive particles, and subjecting the so-prepared sample to the curing temperature of the polymerizable resins, wherein the curing temperature of said second polymerizable resin preparation is substantially the same as the curing temperature of the first polymerizable resin.