Figure 5.1.

Embedding procedure. (A) Adipose tissue samples placed in a 100 cm petri dish containing 25 ml of EGM-2 MV medium. The millimeter (mm) paper placed under the petri dish is used as a size reference. (B) Sample of adipose tissue in plate #2 containing 15 ml of EGM-2 MV medium. The scalpel and forceps are used to hold the fat and cut it into strips. (C) Piece of fat strip cut from the adipose tissue sample. Using the millimeter paper reference, the fat strip is aligned in order to cut the appropriate size of each slice (explant). (D) For the first cut, it is easier to start at one of the ends of the adipose tissue strip. The forceps are used to hold the fat while the scalpel is used to cut the slice. (E) The explant is aligned with one of the quadrants in the millimeter paper to verify adequate size. (F) The rest of the strip is cut into slices. The adipose tissue is held by forceps and the cut is done by the scalpel. While handling the forceps, avoid pulling or stretching the fat, since it may damage the tissue. (G) Individual slices cut to appropriate size and verified with the millimeter paper. (H). Display of workstation in the biocabinet before starting the embedding procedure. Explants were transferred to plate #3, containing 25 ml of EGM-2 MV medium. 96-multiwell plate is kept in a tray filled with ice for the embedding steps. (I) Embedding step. After the Matrigel is dispensed, forceps are used to place the explants, one per well. The explant is positioned at the center of the well.