Dual Slide IHC Staining ChamberMichael McLane

3D model credit: Jon Bondy (Vermont Rapid Prototyping)

“The Team”

• Michael McLane– UVM undergraduate (CALS: Biological Science), Class of

2016; works in UVM Kraft and Jetton Laboratories

• Tom Jetton– Ph.D., UVM Department of Medicine: Endocrinology,

Diabetes, and Metabolism: Professor

• Jon Bondy– Vermont Rapid Prototyping: 3D design, 3D printing

IMMUNOHISTOCHEMISTRY(Fancy way of saying “staining with antibodies”)

Problems with microscope slide-based IHC:

Why should we care?• Disease research on almost any condition you can think of will often

involve slide-based IHC

• Ex.: Jetton/Kraft Lab (14-047) currently investigating Type 2 diabetes in mouse models– I stain pancreatic tissue sections for levels of key β-cell factors

• Academic labs must typically conduct these IHC methods by hand

• Large portion of laboratory budget goes towards antibodies; conserving grant money is important

• Failure due to error can result in loss of critical data

How can methods be improved?

• Stains two slides per chamber with 2/3 the amount ofreagents typically used to cover two slides lying face-up

• Much faster / easier than previous methods– Lowers likelihood of data loss due to human error

• Easier storage during incubation periods

• Should improve staining quality

“Dual Slide IHC Staining Chamber:”

How I can use IMF / Funding:• 3D printing using chemically inert, sturdy plastics

– Possibility of rubber siding for better fit & seal?– Add a cap for humidity seal

• Branch out beyond IHC:

– In situ hybridization techniques?– Oil Red O techniques?– Radiographic emulsions?– More…?

• Other uses for $:

– Testing supplies– Time on confocal microscope for data collection (+ subsequent analysis comparing chamber staining to

original methodology)