A benign approach to the preparation of freshwater bryozoan statoblasts for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging

Full text for this resource is not available from the Research Repository.

Mitra, Robin, Crawford, Shayne, Barton, Andrew and Orbell, John ORCID: 0000-0003-3485-5309 (2013) A benign approach to the preparation of freshwater bryozoan statoblasts for scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 40 (2). pp. 154-159. ISSN 0301-4223 (print), 1175-8821 (online)

Abstract

Several different species of freshwater Bryozoa, belonging to the genera Plumatella, Rumarcanella and Fredericella, were detected within the Northern Mallee Pipeline (NMP) system in Victoria, Australia, that required definitive identification. These organisms produce asexual buds called statoblasts, with valves composed of sclerotised chitin that bear minute micro-ornamentations of considerable taxonomical significance. Imaging and analysis of these distinctive micro-ornamentations using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is often employed for species identification. Meticulous preparation of statoblast samples is therefore required that necessitates the removal of adhering debris, dehydration and drying—whilst mitigating specimen damage and distortion. This technical note describes an approach whereby each of these three steps have been individually designed to be as benign as possible, using mild detergent/sonication to remove debris, a gradual and gentle dehydration procedure using ethanol, and critical point drying. For the overall process, these methods are chosen to optimise control and to minimise the use of harsh and hazardous chemicals.

Dimensions Badge

Altmetric Badge

Item type Article
URI https://vuir.vu.edu.au/id/eprint/21959
DOI 10.1080/03014223.2012.672436
Official URL http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/0301422...
Subjects Historical > FOR Classification > 0602 Ecology
Historical > Faculty/School/Research Centre/Department > Institute for Sustainability and Innovation (ISI)
Historical > Faculty/School/Research Centre/Department > School of Engineering and Science
Keywords ResPubID26733, ResPubID26030, scanning electron microscopy, sonication, critical point drying, biofouling, Northern Mallee Pipeline, Victoria
Citations in Scopus 1 - View on Scopus
Download/View statistics View download statistics for this item

Search Google Scholar

Repository staff login