SPI-Chem™ Sodium Periodate

Applications in immunogold staining procedures

More than a few researchers have pulled their hair out trying to figure out how to get the silver enhancement process reaction "through" to the gold probes when embedded within the section of a resin, such as L. R. White. When the gold probes are one nm, then the thickness of the section is very large in comparison to the diameter of the gold probe and it is in fact problematic in terms of getting the reaction to "see" the gold probes.

In order to enhance the progress of the enhancement procedure and to enhance the penetration of the reactants through the resin, sodium periodate can be used. While there is some question as to whether the procedure will work on pre-labelled samples, it does seem to work when done on post labelled sections.

The procedure is to make up a saturated solution of sodium periodate and to expose the sections to the solution for about twenty minutes. This is done the most easily by slowly adding the sodium periodate to warm distilled water until no more will dissolve, then allowing the saturated solution to slowly cool back to room temperature. During the cooling process, don't be surprised to see beautiful large artistic-appearing crystals of sodium periodate. The solution can be stored at room temperature, using the liquid as an etchant for 10-20 minutes at room temperature. According to Robert Underwood, Derm Imaging Center, U. of Washington, Seattle who is the one who really gave us the procedures described above, says additionally that sometimes it is advisable to rinse in 0.1 N HCl after etching.

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