Using an alcohol burner or Bunsen burner, heat a spatula which will be used to reduce the height of the wax block and flatten its surface opposite to the samples by melting away excess wax. This procedure is preferably done in a fume hood to avoid inhaling smoke from melting wax and carried out on a sheet of aluminum foil for easy clean up. If samples are embedded in a large paper boat, the wax block will need to cut into smaller piece using a hot spatula. Remove the plastic rings with wax. Warm both sides of the spatula and place one side on top of the wax support of the embedding ring. Quickly place the sample-containing block of wax on the other side. As soon as the wax on either side starts melting, slide the spatula away and allow the two surfaces to melt together by gently pressing the top of the wax block. Release the pressure after a few seconds. Reheat the spatula and melt the edges together one more time ensuring the block is secured to the plastic microtome chuck. Store the blocks in the fridge to ensure all the wax solidifies. Depending on the procedure, the blocks can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature for several months. 7-Sectioning There are several types for Microtome such as: Rotary microtome: it use sharp knife cutting samples such as leaves and stems embedding in wax.(fig A) Sledge microtome: Hard materials like wood, bone and leather require a sledge microtome.(Fig.B)
Using an alcohol burner or Bunsen burner, heat a spatula which will be used to reduce the height of the wax block and flatten its surface opposite to the samples by melting away excess wax. This procedure is preferably done in a fume hood to avoid inhaling smoke from melting wax and carried out on a sheet of aluminum foil for easy clean up. If samples are embedded in a large paper boat, the wax block will need to cut into smaller piece using a hot spatula. Remove the plastic rings with wax. Warm both sides of the spatula and place one side on top of the wax support of the embedding ring. Quickly place the sample-containing block of wax on the other side. As soon as the wax on either side starts melting, slide the spatula away and allow the two surfaces to melt together by gently pressing the top of the wax block. Release the pressure after a few seconds. Reheat the spatula and melt the edges together one more time ensuring the block is secured to the plastic microtome chuck. Store the blocks in the fridge to ensure all the wax solidifies. Depending on the procedure, the blocks can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature for several months. 7-Sectioning There are several types for Microtome such as: Rotary microtome: it use sharp knife cutting samples such as leaves and stems embedding in wax.(fig A) Sledge microtome: Hard materials like wood, bone and leather require a sledge microtome.(Fig.B)
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