cryo 25°

The cryo 25° knife is designed for sectioning frozen hydrated specimens. The 25° angle results in the least possible compression and the best structure preservation (H.M. Han et al., Journal of Microscopy, Vol. 230, Pt. 2, pp. 167 – 171, 2007).

Please note: best results are achieved at low humidiy, when the cryo-ultramicrotome is placed in a glovebox and the sections attached by electrostatic force (J. Pierson et al., Journal of Structural Biology 169, pp. 219 – 225, 2010).

High resolution electron micrograph of vitreous section of keratin intermediate filaments in the midportion of stratum corneum of human epidermis. The fine structure of the keratin filaments is well resolved and their molecular organisation is seen in favourable cases (inset). Ashraf Al-Amoudi, Laboratoire d’Analyse Ultrastructurale, Lausanne.

cryo 35°
cryo 45°

The cryo 35° knife has demonstrated its usefulness as a standard knife for the low temperature sectioning of polymers, rubber, paints, etc.

The 35° angle represents a balanced compromise between section quality and durability.

The cryo 35° and cryo 45° knife mounted in the triangular holder is suitable for dry cryosectioning.

The cryo 35° and cryo 45° knife mounted in the trough are used for sectioning with fluids such as a DMSO/water mixture.

The cryo 45° knife is well suited for routine cryo sectioning.

Styrene-butadiene block copolymer
Ronald Walter, BASF Aktiengesellschaft, Polymer Physics, D-67056 Ludwigshafen.