Hie Ping Beall

US Patent:

55526012, Sep 3, 1996

Filed:

Jul 13, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/274629

Inventors:

Hie P. Beall - Durham NC

Assignee:

Duke University - Durham NC

International Classification:

H01J 3718

US Classification:

250307

Abstract:

A method for preparing biological specimens, such as cells and soft tissues, for electron microscopy, preferably scanning electron microscopy. The method is free of detrimental effects on the protective ozone layer of the earth, as the method comprises air drying the specimens with a fluorinated carbon fluid that has an ozone depletion potential of 0. Suitably, the fluorinated carbon fluid is also inert, thereby obviating any potential health hazards to the technicians performing the method and other nearby persons. The fluorinated carbon fluid employed needs to have a fairly low surface tension, less than about 10 dynes/cm at 25. degree. C. , and a fairly low boiling point, less than 35. degree. C. , so that the material will readily evaporate from the specimen via air drying. A suitable material is the perfluorinated carbon fluid of the empirical formula, C. sub. 5 F. sub. 12.