Sample Preparation Protocol for Cross-Sectional Microscopy of Hair Fibers
January 2020
TLDR The document describes a method for preparing hair for microscopy by embedding it in plastic, cutting it, and storing it cold before imaging.
The document from 2020 detailed a protocol for preparing hair fibers for cross-sectional microscopy. The process involved cutting and thinning polycaprolactone plastic into small chips for embedding. The plastic was heated to 60°C and then cooled. Hair fibers were then embedded into the plastic chips, which were heated until translucent. The fibers were submerged in the plastic and a second chip was placed on top. After cooling, the sample was trimmed and stored in a cool room for at least 2 hours. The embedded chips were then cut in half and stored in a cold room or freezer until imaging. For imaging, the samples were mounted vertically and each hair in the embedded sample was imaged individually. The samples were then stored in a cool room or freezer.
