Dear Tom,

Well, this is my 2 cents (South African) worth:

1. I have, as yet, not been able to get the stuff to polymerise at cold 
temperatures. I have had very good sucess at RT, although with such large 
tissues, trial and error as well as judicious advice from fellow 
histonetters, it is  recommended that the specimen is "layered" with 
embedding solution and allowed to polymerise over a few days. Otherwise 
unsightly and potentially bubbly and uncutable blocks result.

2. I have found that, because the 2  embedding solutions are so viscous that 
they must be well mixed before use. I generally stir mine for about 20 
minutes on a magnetic stirrer before pouring into the mould. (do this in a 
fume hood)

3. Heraeus Kulzer have a very nice technical assistant in Germany who has 
been very helpful in the past. If all else fails  get hold of her for 
further insights. She is Ulrike Leins at: Ulrike.Leins@t-online.de


best Regards

Louise Renton
Bone Research Unit
MRC
Johannesburg
South Africa
Tel & fax +27 11 717 2298
"Time flies like an arrow, fruit flies like a banana"





----Original Message Follows----
From: "Tom Schaer" 
To: 
Subject: [Histonet] polymerization problems
Date: Wed, 10 Dec 2003 09:32:05 -0500

Dear Histonetters:

I am going to try again, realizing that not many have vast experience with 
embedding large specimen with technovit 9100 yet.  Maybe someone may be able 
to share some pointers for a non-profit lab?

Essentially, we fail to successfully polymerize med fem ovine condyles in 
approx 100ml jars.  Tried at -15C with no change in solution consistency for 
a week; then brought it up to -2C still no change over three days.  Jars 
were "vacuumed" and set in refrigerator / freezer.  I am at the of my rope 
of troubleshooting.

Thanks for any pointers.

Tom
------------------------------------------
Thomas P. Schaer, VMD
Assist. Prof. BIOMED, Drexel University
Comparative Orthopaedic Research & Tissue Engineering
Department of Clinical Studies
University of Pennsylvania New Bolton Center
382 West Street Road
Kennett Square, PA 19348
tel. 610-444-5800 (x6261 office)
tel. 610-444-5800 (x6131 lab)
fax. 610-925-8100
tpschaer@mail.vet.upenn.edu

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