During the first week of July from Tuesday 2nd July until Thursday 4th July we will be attending mmc2019 – we’ll be at stand 710!

Over the course of mmc, we will be holding three interesting workshops discussing various sample preparation techniques, covering Microwave Tissue Processing, sectioning with Diamond Wire Saws and Grinding and Polishing. Here are the extracts for each of the workshops and we look forward to seeing you there! 

Workshop 1 – Microwave Tissue Processing Using the BioWave Pro+

Tuesday 2nd July 11:30 – 12:00, Workshop 1. Presented by Ben Hayllar

Microwave energy itself does not generate heat, but it is the interaction of microwaves with polar molecules and the friction between them that creates heat. 

A common misconception associated with microwave tissue processors is that they use heat to accelerate processing. However, sample heating should be avoided as much as possible to preserve sample physiology.

Conventional benchtop vs microwave processing

In published works, comparing conventional benchtop to microwave processing, the BioWave has been used to show:

  • Better definition of ultrastructure
  • Less shrinkage and extraction
  • Overall preservation is good to excellent (where conventional processing was acceptable to good)
  • Reproducible technique (constant variables)
  • Time and reagent efficient

In this workshop, we will explain how the BioWave can save significant time in preparing tissue specimens.

Diamond Wire Saws for Microscopy Applications

Wednesday 3rd July, 12:30 – 13:00, Workshop 2. Presented by Paul Balas and Daniel Ebner – CEO of WELL Group

Micrometre, Nanometre, Ängstrom – three words we cannot avoid in microscopy today.

As investigations in both material and life sciences become more demanding, it’s important to study samples in their natural state regardless of the microscope performance. In most cases, samples are far too big to be imaged as they are, so cutting and sectioning is the first step for sample preparation.

If you require an instrument that can:

  • Cut any material from the softest to the hardest samples?
  • Cut without over-heating the sample?
  • Produce a cut that is clean, smooth, splinter-free, burr-free and with sharp edges?
  • Cut homogeneous or non-homogeneous materials?
  • Cut without dimensional deformations?
  • Cut without structural modifications?

In which case, WELL Diamond Wire Saws and Agar Scientific can offer the right solution. 

The Future of Sample Preparation

Wednesday 3rd July, 15:00 – 15:30, Workshop 1. Presented by Guillame Lardon and William Magnin from Lam Plan

Lam Plan has been developing, manufacturing and selling lapping and polishing products since 1936. All over the world, the company has been helping its customers reach their objectives by designing efficient machines combined with effect abrasives and polishes. 

We built our expertise initially in the lapping industry, taking care of flatness and surface finishing. Thanks to the knowledge gained in this industry, we began to develop (20+ years ago) our own consumables and machines dedicated to sample preparation.

Nowadays, Lam Plan has become a specialist in various industries, such as scientific, automotive, aeronautic, watchmaking as well as heat treatment. We understand that sample preparation is always expensive, time-consuming and skilful. This is why, with our testing room and laboratory, we are able to provide full support to our customers in order to allow them to reach their objectives, as well as help them in making a more efficient preparation.

This workshop will be a unique opportunity to present you an actual example of sample preparation improvement, with a company working in the aeronautic industry.