The BEL-1 conductive ionic SEM coating fluid offers a simple and cost-effective alternative for coating non-conductive sample with a conductive surface layer. Instead of using a sputter coater with a precious metal target, the sample needs to be immersed in a diluted conductive SEM coating solution for several minutes.
Features of the BEL-1 conductive ionic SEM coating fluid are:
The BEL-1 conductive ionic SEM coating fluid needs a 10-20x dilution when used. Only prepare the amount which is directly needed and do not store diluted fluids. The sample must be immersed and completely dried afterwards using a blower.
Storage of the BEL-1 conductive ionic SEM coating fluid should be preferably at 4-8 °C, but since it is water based: Do not Freeze.
Rat Kidney stained Glomerulus Sample preparation conditions (4 ° C): After fixing with 2% glutaraldehyde, shred (thickness approx. 0.5 mm) and re-fix ⇒ Fix with 1% osmium tetroxide 2 hours ⇒ DW wash 10 minutes, 6 times ⇒ 1% tannic acid Aqueous solution 3 hours ⇒ DW washing 10 minutes, 6 times ⇒ 1% osmium tetroxide fixation 2 hours ⇒ DW washing 10 minutes, 3 times ⇒ 2% BEL-1 (70% ethanol) 2 hours immersion ⇒ Blower, cold air dryer drying Observation conditions : SE detector (mixed mix), acceleration voltage 3KV, WD20, emission current (0.8 to 4.7μA) |
Kimwipe stained BEL-1 7% (diluted solution: DW) soaked for 5 minutes. Drying: blower, cold air dryer |
More examples of biological sample conductive coating | More examples of material sample conductive coating |
Courtesy of St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Electron Microscope Research Facility Chisako Sasaki
Technical Support Bulletin: BEL-1 Conductive SEM Coating Fluid
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