Preservation method for long-term storage of fluorescently labeled cells for microscopy
Jacob Robertson, Erin Garza
Published: 2024-01-12 DOI: 10.17504/protocols.io.ewov1q15pgr2/v1
Abstract
This method can be used to preserve fluorescently labeled bacterial cells for long-term storage before imaging on a fluorescent microscope. Using this protocol, samples can be saved at 4°C for weeks-months while maintaining strong, easily detectable fluorescence and cell integrity.
Before start
Prepare the preservation components: 10% glycerol (sterile), 4% paraformaldehyde in PBS pH 7.4 (sterile)
Steps
Sample
1.
Collect your cells (up to 500 μl) in a sterile microfuge tube.
- This protocol can also be used on solid material containing biofilms.
Preserve
2.
To your sample tube, add 250µL sterile 10% glycerol and 250µL sterile 4% paraformaldehyde in PBS (pH 7.4).
- If preserving solid material, make sure the entire sample is submerged in the preservation solution.
3.
Gently Mix
Storage
4.
Store samples at 4°C until ready to image.
