Methacrylate as an Embedding Medium for Woody Tissues

Methacrylate can be readily infiltrated into woody tissues. After infiltration, the tissue is transferred to a polymerizing mixture of 95:5 butyl methacrylate to methyl methacrylate by volume. For each 100 ml of polymerizing mixture, 2 grams of Luperco CDB catalyst are added. The hardness of the matrix may be increased by increasing the proportion of methyl methacrylate. Polymerization is accomplished by 2 days in a 50° C oven or 2 days in a small ultraviolet radiation chamber (42° C), the latter being the technique of choice. The blocks can be sectioned readily at 6 μ to more than 30 μ. Sectioning is facilitated by keeping the block wet with a 1:1 glycerol-alcohol solution. Best preparations are obtained when the matrix is removed after sectioning; however, staining in safranin O-fast green FCF may be-accomplished through the matrix. The technique is very rapid, convenient to use, and has produced excellent preparations from several species of woody plants.