Injection dishes
MATERIALS
Reagents
Ethanol, 95%
Chloroform can be used as an alternative.
Equipment
Cork, silicone rubber
The cork should have a diameter close to that of the Petri dish.
Nitex mesh, 800 μm
Petri dishes, plastic
METHOD
Injection dishes for microinjection of Xenopus oocytes are modified Petri dishes to which a nylon mesh has been fixed to hold oocytes or embryos in place. The mesh also helps to keep track of which specimens have been injected because it holds the specimens in regular rows. Ensure that the grid fits snugly to the edge of the dish and lies flat on the surface, so that the specimens do not become trapped underneath.
1. Cut the 800-μm Nitex mesh into circles so that it fits snugly into the Petri dishes.
2. Fix the mesh in place by melting the bottom of the plastic Petri dish with five drops of methylene chloride or chloroform.
Use the silicone rubber cork to hold the grid flat while the plastic sets.
3. After complete evaporation of the solvent, rinse the dishes thoroughly with 95% ethanol and then with water before use.
