Slides for Laser Microdissection 1 | 2 | 3

LMD applications require special slides, which are specifically designed to free the dissectate from the section. For this reason, tissue sections to be microdissected are placed on a UV-absorbing membrane. Upon the laser action, the membrane is vaporized, which also vaporizes the tissue in the cut line. Since the membrane is not adhered to the slide, the dissectate (with the attached specimen) drops into the cap of the microcentrifuge tube. Leica Microsystems offers high-quality membrane slides that provide high collection rates for laser microdissection.
There are three different membrane slides to choose from:

• PEN (polyethylene naphthalate)
• PET (polyethylene terephthalate)
• POL (polyester)

Membranes are mounted on regular glass slides (PEN), on steel frames (PET/POL), or on the bottom of special Petri dishes for cell cultivation. Depending on tissue type, thickness, and inspection method, one slide type may work better for a certain application. Therefore it is advisable to test different combinations of membranes and slide supports for the best results. Membrane combinations are summarized in a Table, click link above "Table Slides and Petri dishes".