Neutral balsam is an excellent mounting medium used in microscopy techniques. It is similar in properties and applications to Canada balsam, with superior performance. Neutral balsam is a 60% solution prepared by refining, neutralizing natural resins and dissolving them in xylene. Its refractive index is close to that of glass, and it solidifies into a transparent, colorless mass after drying without defects such as shrinkage, yellowing or cracking. Unlike Canada balsam, it does not cause yellowing over time or oxidative fading of sections. Tissue sections stained with hematoxylin, fast green, and other dyes can be preserved for several years without color change. It also yields excellent results when used for mounting whole-mount specimens such as parasites including schistosomes and aphids. Currently, neutral balsam is widely used as a mounting medium for biological sections in fields like biology and pathology, as well as an adhesive for optical glass instruments.
Eco-friendly mounting medium is formulated with resins and organic solvents that replace xylene. Free of toxic and harmful xylene, it is environmentally friendly and serves as an ideal alternative to neutral balsam. This medium can be used for mounting stained sections, sealing stained tissues and cells between slides and coverslips to prevent direct contact with air and avoid oxidative fading. Filled with the mounting medium, tissue and cell sections achieve a refractive index close to that of glass slides, resulting in clearer microscopic observation. This reagent is intended for research use only and not for clinical diagnosis or other purposes.
Operating Procedures (For Reference Only)
1. After completing section staining, aspirate the staining solution, dehydrate the sections through a graded ethanol series, and clear them with xylene.
2. For mounting, add 0.5-1 drop of the medium exactly in the center of the specimen (ensure the drop is placed as a single blob to avoid air bubbles). Gently place a coverslip over the specimen and wait until the medium spreads evenly across the entire coverslip surface.
Precautions
1. Neutral balsam is not suitable for mounting fluorescence-stained sections.
2. Stained and mounted specimens including tissue sections and cell smears should be examined under a microscope and photographed promptly.
3. Ensure adequate ventilation during the mounting process. Avoid contact with skin and mucous membranes.
4. Do not stir or shake the medium before use to prevent air bubbles from forming during mounting.
5. Tighten the bottle cap immediately after each use to prevent volatilization or deterioration. The opened reagent should be used up within 1 year, provided it is within the expiration date.
6. For your safety and health, wear a lab coat and disposable gloves during operation.
7. Use the reagent as soon as possible after opening to avoid compromising subsequent experimental results.
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