A simple cryo-SEM method for delicate plant tissues

A simple modification to the existing preparative procedures for examining delicate plant tissues and insect-plant interactions by cryo-SEM is described. Samples are attached to a stub with colloidal graphite, introduced into the air lock, evacuated briefly, then transferred onto the cryo-stage of the preparation chamber where full evacuation and slow cooling take place. After sputter coating with gold, the samples are transferred onto the microscope cold stage and examined at 15 kV.