Produce Thinner Sections

Developed specifically for the Vibratome ® , this sapphire microtomy knife makes it possible for the first time to cut thin Vibratome sections with microscopic resolution similar to that obtained with thick (1 micron) plastic sections. Made from synthetic single-crystal sapphire, the sapphire knife allows serial sectioning with a Vibratome ® , 1000 of a thickness in the 6-10 micron range. With good technique and fixed material, revealing subcellular features never before seen in Vibratome® sections. Now the vibrating Microtome is an attractive alternative to the cryostat when you need thin sections of fresh or lightly fixed tissue for fluorescent labeling, autoradiography, immunohistochemistry, etc. Gives maximum surface smoothness.

Durable Knife

Sapphire, while not as hard as tungsten carbide or diamond, is still hundreds of times harder than steel razor blades. This hardness translates into increased durability and sharper edges resulting in improved section quality, particularly in electrophysiology applications. By making a cleaner cut, the surface cells remain alive and intact, thereby available for the researcher to more easily explore the live and responsive interior cells. With proper care, they can produce thousands of sections. Specifications

Material: synthetic single crystal sapphire

Edge length: 1.5" (40mm)

Blade height: 0.5" (12mm)

Blade thickness: 0.035" (0.9mm) PELCO® Technical Notes, Sapphire Knife 1.5" (40mm) L (715KB PDF)