A plating method for preparation of cells for culture and for observation by light or electron microscopy

A plating technique that makes use of small volumes of cell suspensions (1–10 μl) is described. Its purpose is to permit microscopic examination or propagation in culture of the entire contents of the microdroplet. Cells are allowed to settle by gravity on Millipore filters where they rapidly and firmly attach after 20 minutes of incubation at 37°C. Such cells can be used for long- or short-term cultures and can be processed for light microscopy and transmission or scanning electron microscopy. The method is particularly useful for preparing cell suspensions for scanning electron microscopy since it is possible to match light photomicrographs with scanning electron micrographs of identical cells.