Leica Biosystems
VT1000 S Vibrating blade microtome
14047235613
We use this vibratome for making our precision cut lung slices (PCLS). We use both human and mouse slices in various culture conditions and assess outcomes. This vibratome helps us get from a full chunk of tissue down to a manageable slice somewhere in the range of 300-600um. We use this particular vibratome because it can cut multiple sections and is much more user friendly than other vibratomes we have access to. We need precision with these slices and this machine gives us the security that we will get slices of uniform thickness and good morphology.
Tissue culture
Human and mouse lung
We inflate either small chunks of human or a full mouse lung with 2% low melt agarose and keep it on ice before making slices. Mount the tissue as usual, set up parameters using the automated thickness and start/stop location on the vibratome and hit start. We then collect the slices as they are cut and keep them on ice until we are done.
If you plan on culturing your slices, play around with the agarose % and source a bit. We use a low melt agarose at 2%, but this will depend on how thick you need to cut and what type of tissue it is.
This machine has given us consistently great slices from both human and mouse lung tissue. It cuts quickly and precisely and the slices all look great. Couldn't be happier, especially since we were upgrading from an old hand crank vibratome!
Nice digital screen that displays thickness. automated start/stop points are nice.
N/A
Precise and automated
Nothing
Super consistent, takes the human error out of using a vibratome, very clear and easy to adjust.