Figure 1
Synchrotron tomography optimisation and sample mounting. (A) Synchrotron radiation microtomography is a multi-stage technique containing multiple processes that affect the final quality and accuracy of image output. These can be categorised as sample preparation, image acquisition and sample processing. (B) Schematic (dimensions in mm) for the inverse block mould used for embedding linear tissue samples. (B’) Representation of the inverse block mould and the (B”) silicon mould cast from this. Resting the sample on the ‘lip’ of the mould ensures the central portion of the sample is surrounded by at least 3 mm of embedding material on all sides. Renders were made in Solidworks 2017 (Dassault Systèmes, France). (C) Examples of rat spinal cord embedded in four embedding materials; epoxy resin, paraffin wax, agar and air. Samples were fixed with plasticine onto metal ‘cryo cap’ bases which were attached via a magnet to a rotation stage. The air-mounted sample was additionally superglued to its base to aid stability.
