[Histonet] PMMA sections sticking to plastic

[Johnson, Teri]

We're having some problems with our PMMA sections adhering to the
plastic instead of the glass slide.  After sectioning, we place the
sections on a plus slide (+ charged) flooded with 50% alcohol.  We
stretch the section, place a strip of plastic wrap over it, and roll it
flat.  We will then stack 10 or so slides like this together with tongue
depressors at the top and bottom, and clamp them together.  We will
leave them in a 60 degree oven overnight (at least).  After we remove
them from the oven, we are unable to peel the plastic off the slides
without the sections coming off as well.

The last time this happened, I proceeded with deplasticizing using
xylene and MEA (recommended by the Technovit instructions) and kept the
plastic wrap on the slides.  I was able to remove it by eventually
placing the slides in acetone.  Is there an easier way?

Best wishes,

Teri Johnson
Managing Director Histology Facility
Stowers Institute for Medical Research
1000 E. 50th St.
Kansas City, MO 64133