Oxygenation of Buffer Solutions (ACSF) for Electrophysiology

Oxygenation of a buffer solution for electrophysiology is important to maintain the viability of cells and tissues, as well as to prevent the formation of artifacts during recordings. Here are the general steps to oxygenate a buffer solution for electrophysiology:

1. Prepare the buffer solution according to the protocol for your specific experiment.
2. Fill a clean container (such as a beaker or bottle) with the buffer solution.
3. Attach a tube to a tank of pure oxygen and connect it to a gas dispersion stone, which should be placed at the bottom of the container.
4. Turn on the oxygen tank and adjust the flow rate to allow a steady stream of bubbles to rise from the stone.
5. Allow the solution to bubble with oxygen for at least 30 minutes before use. The longer the buffer is oxygenated, the better.

Note that the specific protocol for oxygenation may vary depending on the type of buffer and the requirements of the experiment. Additionally, it is important to maintain sterility during the oxygenation process to avoid contamination of the buffer solution.

Can oxygenation cause damage to electrophysiology equipment?

Yes, aerosolized buffer particles can potentially damage electrophysiology equipment, especially sensitive equipment such as microelectrodes, patch pipettes, and amplifiers. When buffer particles become aerosolized, they can settle on the surfaces of the equipment and cause damage over time. Additionally, buffer particles can also cause electrical noise and interfere with the accuracy of recordings.

To minimize the risk of equipment damage from aerosolized buffer particles, it is important to take the following precautions:

1. Use a fume hood or other appropriate ventilation system to contain aerosolized buffer particles.
2. Keep the equipment covered or sealed when not in use to prevent exposure to aerosolized particles.
3. Clean the equipment regularly with a mild detergent or disinfectant solution to remove any particles that may have settled on the surface.
4. Use filters or other protective barriers to prevent buffer particles from entering sensitive areas of the equipment, such as the amplifier headstage or electrode tips.
5. Minimize the generation of aerosolized particles by using low-speed stir bars or other gentle mixing methods, and avoid shaking or vortexing the buffer vigorously.

By taking these precautions, you can help protect your electrophysiology equipment from damage caused by aerosolized buffer particles and ensure accurate and reliable recordings.

How does the Compresstome vibratome accommodate buffer oxygenation?

A Compresstome is a type of vibrating microtome that is commonly used for slicing thin sections of tissue for electrophysiology experiments. To maintain tissue viability during slicing, it is important to oxygenate the buffer solution used to immerse the tissue.

Some Compresstome models come with an oxygenation attachment that allows you to bubble oxygen into the buffer solution during the slicing process. This attachment typically consists of a tube that connects to a source of pure oxygen and a gas dispersion stone that is placed in the buffer solution.

How does the Compresstome vibratome prevent aerosolized buffer damage?

The Compresstome VF-510-0Z is a type of vibrating microtome that is used for slicing thin sections of tissue for electrophysiology and other applications. The protective cover for the VF-510-0Z is an accessory that is designed to protect the user and the surrounding environment from the tissue and buffer solution that may be generated during the slicing process.

The protective cover is typically made of a clear acrylic material that allows the user to observe the slicing process while also providing a barrier to protect against splashes and other forms of contamination. The cover is easy to install and can be removed quickly for cleaning and maintenance.