Description
Stain77 is an extremely low-toxicity contrast agent, consisting of lithium and tungsten salts (refer to MSDS). It effectively enhances both positive and negative contrast. It remains insensitive to light and allows for long-term storage at room temperature (RT). If crystallization occurs over time, you can restore the product’s contrast-enhancing properties through filtration or centrifugation.
Its pH remains stable.
Stain77 serves as a genuine alternative to uranyl acetate for section contrast and negative staining, boasting a pH near 7 and ensuring user safety. Contrast results, after enhancing with lead citrate, match or even surpass those of uranyl acetate.
It’s available in two variants and two volumes (30ml and 200ml):
- A 30ml Airless bottle with a drop-by-drop dispenser for manual staining.
- A 200ml option for use with the Leica EM AC20 or RMC automated contrast systems (briefly rinse with distilled water for 2×5 minutes).
The Stain77 Ultra-Thin Section Contrast Protocol involves:
- Applying a drop of Stain77 for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Drying.
- Briefly rinsing with distilled water.
- Drying.
- Counterstaining with lead citrate for 1 minute, followed by rinsing with distilled water and drying.
- Observation using a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM).
Please note: Avoid pre-storing rinse water in the refrigerator, as cold water may absorb CO2, potentially contaminating your sections.
The protocol above enhances the contrast of ultra-thin sections (positive contrast) and is also suitable for negative staining. However, negative staining does not require counterstaining with lead citrate after using Stain77.
Stain77 can be stored in the laboratory at room temperature and is not affected by exposure to light.
Stain77 can be stored in the laboratory at room temperature and is not affected by exposure to light.
