Optimization of the microtome cutting technique using a varnish

Abstract

Histology, in all its formsis widely used to study the tissues and cells that make up the living world. The methacrylate resin technique, commonly used in laboratories, has a major drawback when cutting highly structured and fragile tissues: samples tend to tear easily. To address this issue, the use of a transparent varnish-type resin has proven to be an effective solution. This varnish helps maintain the integrity of tissue structures, preventing them from tearing and breaking down during sectioning. The process is relatively : a thin layer of varnish is applied to the surface of the block and allowed to dry. Once the section is made, it is carefully collected and placed on a hot water surface at 60 °C. Upon contact with the heat, the section unfolds, making it easier to transfer onto a glass microscope slide. The slide is then dried on a hot plate before being stained, which highlights the tissue structures for microscopic observation. This innovative histological technique enables the production of high-quality sections of embedded plant tissues. Although simple, this method resolves a major challenge encountered when cutting complex and fragile tissues and significantly improves improving the precision of histological analyses.