How to construct and use a simple device to prevent the formation of precipitates when using Sudan Black B for histology

The present work aims to demonstrate the stages of fabrication and use of a simple device to avoid the formation or fixation of precipitates from Sudan Black B solution on tissues. The device consists of four coverslip fragments attached to a histology slide, which serve as points of support for the histological slide under analysis. To work properly, the histology slide with the sections should be placed with the sections facing downwards the device. A small space between the device and the histology slide is thereby created by the height of the coverslip fragments. When Sudan Black B is applied, the solution is maintained within the edges of the device and evaporation is minimized by the small space, thereby reducing the consequent formation of precipitates. Furthermore, by placing the sections facing downward the device, any sporadically formed precipitates are prevented from settling on and fixing to the sectioned tissues or organs. By avoiding the formation of precipitates, plant cells, tissues and organs can be better observed, diagnosed and photomicrographically recorded.

本研究旨在展示一款简易装置的制备流程与使用方法，该装置可避免苏丹黑B（Sudan Black B）溶液在组织样本上形成或附着沉淀物。该装置由4片固定于组织学载玻片的盖玻片碎片组成，作为待分析组织切片载玻片的支撑结构。为确保装置正常运行，携带组织切片的载玻片需将切片面朝向该装置放置。盖玻片碎片的高度会在装置与组织切片载玻片之间形成微小间隙。滴加苏丹黑B溶液时，溶液会被限制在装置的边界范围内，且该微小间隙可有效减少溶剂蒸发，从而降低沉淀物的生成量。此外，将切片朝向装置放置，可防止偶发形成的沉淀物沉降并附着于切片组织或器官表面。通过避免沉淀物生成，植物细胞、组织及器官可获得更优质的观测、诊断与显微摄影记录效果。