Dry ice fixation of myofibrils for scanning electron microscopy.

A rapid method of fixation of myofibrils using dry ice is reported. A glass slide or coverslip containing a drop of glutaraldehyde-fixed suspension of myofibrils is placed on dry ice causing the myofibrils to adhere to the glass surface. The specimens are then dehydrated through the alcohols, air dried and metal coated. This technique gives the myofibrils a corrugated appearance under the scanning electron microscope corresponding to the sarcomere banding.