How do I choose the right mounting medium?

The choice of mounting medium is largely dependent on your sample type, how you will image, and which fluorophore or fluorescent proteins you use. An ideal mounting medium should:

• Have refractive index as close as possible to that of the fixed protein (tissue)
• Be colorless, transparent with only the stained tissue elements visible
• Not shrink back from the edge of cover-glass
• Be able to completely permeate and fill tissue interstices without any adverse effect on tissue components
• Be resistant to contamination particularly microbial growth
• Protect the section from physical damage and chemical activity (oxidation and changes in pH).
• Be completely miscible with dehydrant or clearing agent and remain stable once set.
• Not react with, leach or induce fading in stains and reaction products.