Paraffin embedding and sectioning

Biological samples often need to be solidified to allow fine sectioning. Thin slices improve the access of dyes, probes, and antibodies and reduce the overlay of different cells layers in the z direction. For light microscopy, paraffin wax is the most frequently used hard matrix for cutting.

Principle

Since paraffin is immiscible with water, the main constituent of tissue, samples need to be dehydrated by progressively more concentrated ethanol baths. This is followed by a clearing agent, usually xylene, to remove the ethanol. Finally, molten paraffin wax infiltrates the sample and replaces the xylene.