Poly-L-lysine coated slides

Poly-L-lysine coating improves adherence of tissue sections to the glass slides. This is important for immunolocalization, where the tissue on the slide undergoes lengthy and sometimes harsh treatment and thus tends to be lost during the process.

Reagents/Supplies: Sigma P8920 Poly-L-Lysine solution (0.1% w/v) Diluted 1:10 in distilled or ultrafiltered water to make working solution, store refrigerated in a plastic container. Use for no more than about 25 slides per 50 ml of the working solution. Slides: VWR Micro slides 4830-036 (other brands and flavors may be OK, but among those we tested the above worked the best).

Clean slides in acetone for 5 minutes. Remove slides and wipe with a kimwipe (wear gloves). Air dry slides at an angle (leaning on a tube rack or other suitable support) on paper

towels. Dip slides in 1:10 diluted Poly-L-Lysine solution in a plastic coplin jar for 15

minutes. Air-dry slides at an angle on paper towels. Mark the top right corner with a diamond edged pen. Bake the slides for 1 hour at 55°C.

Gelatin-subbed microscope slides

To improve adherence of semi-thin resin section to glass slides for staining, use the following procedure:

Make 0.5 % w/v gelatin (Knox, the grocery store jello stuff) in distilled/ultrafiltered water. Dissolve the gelatine while stirring on a heated stir plate (low heat setting)

In the meantime, etch pre-cleaned frosted microscope slides in 5% H2SO4 for 5 min, stirring occasionally with an applicator stick and making sure the slides are not stuck together.

Wash well (many times) in distilled water, again stirring the slides. Keep the slides under water, do not allow to dry.

Fill a Coplin jar with the gelatin solution and immerse the slides for a minute or so, then remove and place in a slide rack, let dry overnight.

Store the slide in a storage box.