[3dem] carbon detaching from grids

[HAMPTON, CHERI M CTR USAF AFMC AFRL/RXAS]

Hi all,


I have suddenly begun experiencing the carbon detaching from my QF R2/1 grids when submersed in buffer and when applying proteins for blotting and cryo-plunging. I have tried two different lots of grids, and now I am suspicious of the facility's plasma cleaner that I have been using to glow discharge. All settings and timings have remained constant on my part. I plan to seek out another plasma cleaner to do a comparison test, but meanwhile, what kinds of solvents or materials placed in the plasma cleaner/glow discharge unit might linger and cause problems? I'd like to justify having a "clean" one just for TEM :)


Thanks for your input,

Cheri

 ~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~'~
Cheri M. Hampton, PhD
Research Microscopist
UES, Inc.
AFRL/RXAS
2179 12th St, B652/R122
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7750
(937) 255-9081
cheri.hampton.ctr at us.af.mil

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