Surface Bleaching
Surface Bleaching - Related Videos
11:12
Sequential Photo-bleaching to Delineate Single Schwann Cells at the Neuromuscular Junction
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Cited by 10 •
2013
Visualizing individual cells in densely packed tissues, such as terminal Schwann cells (SCs) at neuromuscular junctions (NMJs), is challenging. "Sequential photo-bleaching" allows delineating single terminal SCs, for instance in the triangularis sterni muscle explant, a convenient nerve-muscle preparation, where sequential bleaching can be combined with time-lapse imaging and post-hoc immunostainings.
07:16
Three-Dimensional Imaging of Tumor-Bearing Tissue Using the Iterative Bleaching Extends Multiplexity Approach
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Cited by 1 •
2025
This article describes a protocol for multiplex immunofluorescence optimized to characterize the three-dimensional architecture of peritoneal metastases.
04:52
Iterative Bleaching Extends Multiplicity with Use of Staining Automation for Core Facilities
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2025
Here, we describe the application of the Iterative Bleaching Extends Multiplicity (IBEX) method utilizing commercially available, automated tissue stainers and optimization considerations for the use of tyramide signal amplification-based reagents.
01:16
Surface Tension and Surface Energy
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2023
When a paint brush is immersed in water, the bristles wave freely inside the water. When it is taken out, the bristles stick together. The reason behind this effect is surface tension. Consider a beaker filled with liquid. The bulk molecules in the liquid experience equal attractive forces on all sides with the surrounding molecules. However, the surface molecules experience a net attractive force downward due to the bulk molecules. The surface of the liquid behaves like a stretched membrane,...
06:52
Optimized Workflow for Iterative Bleaching Extends Multiplexity Imaging of Highly Autofluorescent Clinical Samples
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2025
The implementation of a low-cost, versatile photoirradiation technique with the manual IBEX method allows for optimal imaging of human tissue with significant native autofluorescence. This protocol details how to obtain multiplexed, whole-slide images from archived clinical samples using an inverted microscope, widely available reagents, and open-source software for image alignment and processing.
FAQs
Exposure time must be controlled because the bleach solution needs sufficient contact with the explant surface to reduce bacteria and fungi, but excessive exposure can injure living tissue. This balance is important in tissue culture, where damaged explants may be less suitable for subsequent growth, callus induction, genetic transformation, or other biological studies.
Sodium hypochlorite provides the bleach component that acts on microorganisms present on the outer surface of a biological material. Its use targets surface contamination before the material contacts nutrient media. Because the explant remains living tissue, the treatment must be applied for a controlled period rather than used without regard to tissue sensitivity.
Thorough rinsing with sterile water follows bleach exposure to remove the treatment from the explant before culture. This step helps limit injury to living tissues while preserving the decontamination benefit. It also prepares the material for transfer to nutrient media, where remaining bacteria or fungi could otherwise interfere with the intended experiment.
A basic workflow exposes the plant explant to a bleach solution for a controlled period, followed by thorough rinsing with sterile water. The treated material can then be placed under aseptic culture conditions. Careful handling throughout the sequence supports contamination reduction while helping maintain tissue suitable for later biological development.
By reducing bacteria and fungi before culture, the treatment helps prevent contaminants from overgrowing nutrient media. This protects the experimental material from being obscured or compromised by unwanted microbial growth. Cleaner cultures make it more practical to observe outcomes associated with the explant itself, including cellular development under controlled laboratory conditions.
The method is useful when researchers need to establish cleaner plant explants for micropropagation, callus induction, or genetic transformation. It also supports studies of cellular development in controlled laboratory systems. In each case, reducing surface microorganisms helps keep culture conditions focused on the biological process being investigated rather than contamination.