EM AFS2 Freeze Substitution and Low Temperature Embedding System for Light and Electron Microscopy

Description

Leica Microsystems' EM AFS2 system automates the freeze substitution process and facilitates low-temperature embedding and polymerization of resins for microscopy. It is utilized to prepare biological samples for both light and electron microscopy by gradually replacing the ice within a frozen specimen with an organic solvent, a process known as substitution, at controlled sub-zero temperatures. The system also supports the progressive lowering of temperature (PLT) technique for infiltrating and embedding samples with resin at low temperatures. This approach aids in better preserving cellular ultrastructure and antigenicity compared to conventional room-temperature processing. The instrument permits programmable temperature ramps and extended processing schedules, offering a regulated environment for these critical preparatory steps before sectioning and imaging.