Development and new design of a semiautomatic cryo-ultramicrotome for histopathological transmission electron microscopy on large ultrathin cryosections: Description of a prototype

In a previous publication, we described new devices and results for diagnostic histopathological transmission electron microscopy on large, ultrathin cryosections from several human tumours. As reported, cryo-ultramicrotomy is gaining in significance and use as technical improvements are made. In comparison with epoxy resin procedures, cryo-preparations are more rapid, there is negligible loss of material and thus antigenicity is well preserved. This work contains some newly developed details for a new type of cryo-ultramicrotome, especially adapted for histopathological investigations on large ultrathin cryosections. It is a software-controlled ultramicrotome advance drive system with feedback regulation and various advancement sensors. Some of these developments could also be applied to existing microtome systems.