For dry cryo-ultramicrotomy the use of an ionizer allows the cutting of perfect sec tion ribbons and an easy section collection.


For the cryo sectioning with boat liquid (i.e. DMSO/water 50/50%) set the follow ing temperatures:


• Cryochamber – 120°C • Specimen – 120°C • Diamond knife – 30°C


These figures usually allow best cutting results. Please contact us for more detailed information.


At low temperature the handling of the diamond knives is the same as for room temperature. Be careful when picking up the dry cryo- sections from the diamond surface. The cutting edge may not be touched with any solid objects (i.e. loops, tweezers or grids)!


Cleaning Method 1


Immediately after picking up the sections, remove all unused sections with a hair curl on an eyelash. Then clean the knife edge as follows:


• Empty the boat, dry carefully with filter paper (without touching the knife edge!) and remount it in the ultramicrotome knife stage.


• Take one of our polystyrene sticks and bevel it to an angle of approx. 60° using an oil free razor blade.


• Dip the rod into 100% ethanol and shake off the excess.


• Pass the rod over the cutting edge without applying pressure.


Mechanical cleaning as mentioned above is absolutely necessary after cutting poorly polymerized blocks (i.e. Lowicryl polymerized in a freeze substitution apparatus).


Method 2


If you do not feel comfortable using method 1, there is an alternative. Immediately after picking up the sections, proceed as follows: • Remove all unused sections with a hair curl or an eyelash. • Rinse the knife thoroughly with distilled water. • Take a can of clean pressurized air and blow the water off the cutting edge.


Method 3


If sections or debris dry on the knife edge we recommend the following cleaning procedure: • Place the knife in distilled water, adding one or two drops of mild liquid dishwash ing detergent.


• Let the knife sit overnight. • Remove the knife and rinse with distilled water. • Now proceed to clean the knife using method 1.


Cleaning of the cryo diamond knives


• Remove the knife from the cryo chamber (before heating the chamber up!).


• Rinse the knife under tap water to warm it up.


• Clean the knife using method 1, use 50% ethanol for cryo knives used in biological applications, use 100% ethanol for cryo knives used for polymer sectioning.


Caution We do not recommend sonification for the cleaning of any of our diamond knives. Solvents and acids should never be used under any circumstances.


Resharpening


DiATOME diamond knives can be resharpened an unlimited number of times due to special attention given to minimizing the amount of grinding during the sharpening procedure. The cutting edge length is not affected.


Our sophisticated manufacturing and resharpening methods are unique and allow us to guarantee that your resharpened DiATOME knife will be of the same superior quality as your new DiATOME knife.


Guarantee


Before delivery, each knife, new or resharpened, is subject to extensive testing. Only if its performance is to the highest standards, we will ship it.


In the unlikely event that you experience difficulties, or for any reason are unhappy with the performance of your knife, contact us immediately. Your short description will allow us to solve the problem to your full satisfaction.


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