⟡ Water-Soluble Embedding Media / Histology / Light Microscopy
JB-4® Embedding Kit is a water-soluble glycol methacrylate (GMA)-based plastic embedding system designed for preparation of embedded tissue samples for high-resolution light microscopy (HRLM). The kit is widely used for research and clinical histology applications requiring semi-thin sectioning and excellent morphologic preservation.
JB-4® embedded tissues yield semi-thin sections from approximately 0.5–2 µm and provide improved structural preservation compared to paraffin-processed tissues. Because the water-soluble media does not require dehydration to absolute alcohol for many tissue types, specimen preparation workflows can be simplified.
Key Features & Benefits
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Water-soluble embedding system: glycol methacrylate (GMA)-based formulation
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High-resolution light microscopy: designed for semi-thin tissue sectioning
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Excellent morphology preservation: supports detailed tissue structure visualization
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Semi-thin sections: yields sections approximately 0.5–2 µm thick
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Reduced dehydration requirements: suitable for many tissue workflows without absolute alcohol dehydration
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Low-temperature polymerization: polymerization controlled using refrigeration at 4°C
Product Details
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Product name: JB-4® Embedding Kit
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Embedding chemistry: Glycol methacrylate (GMA)
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Primary monomer: 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA)
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Section thickness: Approximately 0.5–2 µm
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Polymerization conditions: Refrigeration-controlled polymerization at 4°C
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Applications: Histology, HRLM, enzyme histochemistry, autoradiography, routine and special stains
Kit Contents
- 800 mL Solution A (Monomer)
- 30 mL Solution B (Accelerator)
- 12 g Catalyst (Benzoyl Peroxide, Plasticized)
For larger antibody complexes, Polysciences recommends the Immuno-Bed Kit, Catalog #17324.
Typical Applications
High-resolution light microscopy
Used for preparation of embedded tissue specimens requiring semi-thin sectioning and detailed morphology visualization.
Histology & special staining
Suitable for routine stains, special stains, and histochemical staining applications.
Bone specimen preparation
Commonly used for small non-decalcified bone specimens requiring structural preservation.
Enzyme histochemistry & autoradiography
Successfully used in enzyme histochemistry and autoradiography workflows.
Functional Properties
JB-4® is a water-soluble plastic embedding media designed to support high-resolution tissue sectioning while preserving specimen morphology. The GMA-based system enables production of thin, clear sections suitable for microscopy applications.
Unlike many paraffin processing methods, JB-4® embedding may reduce the need for dehydration to absolute alcohol for certain tissue types. Clear casts can typically be obtained in approximately 90 minutes or less under appropriate polymerization conditions.
Why Use JB-4® Embedding Kit?
JB-4® is widely used in research and clinical histology laboratories because it combines water-soluble processing with excellent morphologic preservation and semi-thin sectioning capability.
Its compatibility with HRLM workflows, histochemical staining, and specialized tissue preparation applications makes it a widely used embedding system for microscopy laboratories.
Handling & Storage
- Store kit components according to product labeling and SDS instructions.
- Polymerization is controlled using refrigeration at approximately 4°C.
- Handle monomers, catalysts, and accelerators using appropriate laboratory protective equipment.
- Use in a properly ventilated laboratory environment.
- Consult the SDS for complete handling, storage, and safety information.
Why Choose Polysciences?
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FAQ
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What is JB-4® Embedding Kit used for?
JB-4® is used for high-resolution light microscopy, histology, and preparation of semi-thin embedded tissue sections.
What type of embedding media is JB-4®?
JB-4® is a water-soluble glycol methacrylate (GMA)-based plastic embedding system.
What section thickness can JB-4® produce?
JB-4® embedded tissues typically yield semi-thin sections approximately 0.5–2 µm thick.
Does JB-4® require dehydration to absolute alcohol?
For many tissue types, JB-4® does not require dehydration to absolute alcohol except for dense, bloody, or fatty specimens.
What applications is JB-4® commonly used for?
It is commonly used for HRLM, histochemistry, autoradiography, routine staining, and non-decalcified bone specimen preparation.
