Ted Pella, Inc. introduced the new NanoFilm TEM Auto Stainer system at M&M 2007 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. This new TEM stainer system has been developed to overcome many of the disadvantages of bench top procedures and to increase lab efficiency.

Since most organic materials produce low contrast levels in TEM imaging, staining procedures are required to increase contrast. The contrast materials used are heavy metal salts and require very clean conditions as even minor contaminations are visible at high magnification in the TEM. Also staining material like lead citrate is very sensitive to carbon dioxide which causes precipitation and renders specimens unusable. In many labs, TEM staining is accomplished by hand and involves multiple washing steps and relatively low yield.

The TEM Auto Stainer reduces exposure to potential harmful substances, increases both yield and staining quality by minimizing contamination while saves time and reduces waste.

The TEM Auto Stainer comprises a closed flow system to provide clean conditions and exclusion of air. The design has been optimized by use of a compact staining chamber and reduced tube length. Utilizing a unidirectional flow system shortens rinsing times and reduces waste material volumes. The TEM Stainer is a compact bench top system, has an easy to use touch screen control for configuring staining procedures and does not require special bottles. These features will enable labs to fit the TEM Auto Stainer easily in existing facilities, use established procedures and continue to use the existing staining solutions.