Training Workshop on LEICA VT1200S Vibrating Microtome & LEICA CM3050S Cryostat
˙Session
Overview
I.
Introduction to the Vibrating Microtome LEICA VT1200S:
The LEICA VT1200S vibrating microtome is designed for cutting fresh biological specimens, including animal, plant, and human tissues or material samples. Since the specimens do not require embedding or freezing, enzymatic and cellular activity can be preserved, enabling the analysis of physiological reactions in living tissues—such as antigen distribution in neural tissues or vascular structure in plants. Sections typically range from 100–300 μm in thickness (up to 1000 μm) and are suitable for IHC or Golgi staining. The instrument is widely used in neuroscience, immunohistochemistry, and electrophysiology. In addition, the VT1200S can be paired with the Vibrocheck calibration device to regularly adjust and verify blade angle accuracy.
II. Introduction to the Cryostat LEICA CM3050S:
The LEICA CM3050S cryostat enables rapid and stable cryosectioning of tissues under low temperatures. It is ideal for preparing medium-thickness sections (≤ 60 μm) with a maximum specimen size of approximately 5 × 5 cm. Compared with paraffin embedding, this technique eliminates dehydration and embedding steps, thereby preserving the native lipid composition, metabolite distribution, and enzyme activity of the tissue. It is commonly applied in research on brain, liver, kidney, and tumor tissues, particularly in clinical pathology.
To enhance
operational efficiency, the CM3050S offers multiple automated cutting modes,
including continuous, single automatic, and touch-triggered sectioning,
supported by a foot switch for hands-free control during trimming. A
microprocessor-controlled motorized specimen advance/retract allows users to
position and trim quickly according to their experimental needs. The
cryochamber is also equipped with an automatic defrosting system that activates
approximately every 24 hours, ensuring consistent temperature performance and
preventing frost accumulation that could affect section quality.
We warmly invite faculty and students to join this workshop to explore and
discuss practical techniques in vibrating and cryostat sectioning.
(Participants who wish to provide their own samples for trial cutting are
encouraged to contact the Microscopy Center in advance. The number of test
samples will depend on the number of registrations on the day.)
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˙Workshop Schedule
◆Oral Introduction: Functions of Vibrating & Cryostat Microtomes
Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
Time: 13:10 – 13:40
Location: Room 0459, Microscopy Center, 4th Floor, Section B, First Medical Building
Speaker: Mr. Yu-Hsiang Huang, Product Specialist, Pound Biotech
◆Hands-on
Demonstration: Vibrating & Cryostat Microtomes
Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
Time: 14:00 – 17:00
Location: Room 0459, Microscopy Center, 4th Floor, Section B, First Medical Building
Speakers: Mr.
Yu-Hsiang Huang (VT1200S) / Ms. Shih-Yu Lee (CM3050S), Pound Biotech
◆Online
Registration:
https://forms.gle/PFY33GXN2JgcRvP8A
※ Due to limited venue capacity, the number of participants will be restricted. Please register by Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Contact: Ms. Wan-Zhen He, Ext. 5065