[Histonet] embedding of insects in historesin (Technovit 7100)

[Grantham, Andrea L - (algranth)]

First of all, this sounds like a Damien Laudier question. Damien, I hope you can help this guy.
Secondly, do you have to use plastic embedding? I was successful with paraffin embedding. I was able to section various small insects and also bees. It takes some patience and soaking in mollifex or glycerin water but the chitin became less brittle and able to section without ripping out the internal organs.

Andi G.
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From: histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu [histonet-bounces <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu] on behalf of Dr.Harst <@t> gmx.net [Dr.Harst <@t> gmx.net]
Sent: Friday, November 21, 2014 4:09 AM
To: histonet <@t> lists.utsouthwestern.edu
Subject: [Histonet] embedding of insects in historesin (Technovit 7100)

   Hallo,

   are  there  any experiences in embedding of insects in historesin (GMA
   or  Glycolmethacrylat  (Technovit 7100))? I have tried Technovit after
   fixing  in  Formaldehyd  with poor results. The specimen tends to fail
   out of the block. There is no connection between the cuticula  and the
   resin.  Therefore  it  is  not  possible, to stretch the ribbon on the
   surface  of water. And I believe there is some interaction between the
   chitin  and the resin which makes trouble. The chitin is brittle after
   embedding  in  resin.  I  have  tried different times in the embedding
   process, but without good results. Embedding single organs for example
   ovaries  is  without  any  difficulties  .  Obviously chitin makes the
   problem.

   Perhaps helps another fixing or some other pretreatment?

   Thanks for a little help !

   J�rgen
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