Which types of samples are the compression grips indicated for?

The compression grips were designed to apply compression loads and, therefore, they should be used with scaffolds and tissues in which compression is the dominant load like, e.g., bone and cartilage.

 

Which types of samples are the sheet-like grips indicated for?

These grips have been designed to apply tension loads on the samples, as well as the rod-like grips. However, these grips have been conceived to be used with planar samples like sheet-shaped tissues or membranes (e.g., skin).

Moreover, it is worth noting that these grips maintain the sample very close to the bottom glass window so the visual inspection is made possible.

Which types of samples are the rod-like grips indicated for?

These grips have been designed to apply tension loads on the samples, as well as the sheet-like grips. However, these grips have been conceived to be used with samples which present a medium or high mechanical resistance and whose geometry is not plane.

Scaffolds or samples which may be used with these grips are ligaments or tendons, which have a cylindrical-shaped section, or other tissues with thick sections.

Should the chamber be dissasembled for autoclaving?

It is not strictly necessary to autoclave each of the chamber components separately. Although this might improve the effectiveness of the process, it is recommended to assemble the chamber except the lid before autoclaving in order to facilitate the sample insertion process. 

 

Can the chamber be autoclaved?

Yes, all the chamber components can be autoclaved.

Which kind of microscope should be used to inspect the samples?

The window for visual inspection of the chambers is at the bottom of the chamber, so an inverted microscope is indicated for the inspection.