I need to infiltrate a sample block of wood for sectioning on a microtome. The formula for the infiltrating media is 70% Ethylene Glycol 1500 and 30% Lauric acid. Both components are in a powder form. The instructions don't indicate whether this is supposed to be a weight/weight ratio or a volume/volume ratio or otherwise. Thoughts? Thanks. BTW, the theory is that the combination of the two make for easier to handle and flatten sections when placed on the slide.
To determine whether the 70% Ethylene Glycol 1500 and 30% Lauric acid ratio is based on weight/weight (w/w), volume/volume (v/v), or some other form, we need to consider a few possibilities:
1. Check the instructions: The first step is to carefully review the instructions provided. Look for any specific information about the ratio or any indications if it is a w/w or v/v ratio. Sometimes the instructions may explicitly mention the ratio, or they may refer to a specific unit (grams, milliliters, etc.) that can provide a clue.
2. Research the literature: If the instructions do not provide clear guidance, doing some research on the specific infiltrating media may be helpful. Search for scientific articles or technical references related to using Ethylene Glycol 1500 and Lauric acid as infiltrating media for microtomy. These sources may provide information on the preferred ratio and the units used.
3. Contact the manufacturer or supplier: If the above steps do not yield any definitive results, reaching out to the manufacturer or supplier of the infiltrating media is a good idea. They should have knowledge about the recommended ratio and can provide clarification on whether it is a w/w, v/v, or any other specific form.
Remember, it is important to follow the recommended instructions to ensure accurate results and avoid any potential issues during the sectioning process.