Spatula
Spatula - Related Videos
07:16
Spatula Montevideo Device for the Vitrification of Mammalian Embryos
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Cited by 1 •
2025
Here, we present the Spatula Montevideo protocol for vitrifying mouse and sheep pre-implantation embryos, consisting of a homemade spatula and utilizing homemade solutions. Embryos are rapidly equilibrated in two cryoprotectant solutions of increasing concentration, loaded onto the spatula, immersed in liquid nitrogen, and finally sealed with a 0.5 mL straw.
04:30
A Flame-Free Method for Sterilizing C. elegans Picks, Spatulas, and Scalpels
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Cited by 1 •
2022
This article describes a method for sterilizing worm picks, spatulas, and scalpels using a micro-incinerator in place of an open flame.
10:06
Characterization Of Multi-layered Fish Scales (Atractosteus spatula) Using Nanoindentation, X-ray CT, FTIR, and SEM
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Cited by 15 •
2014
This paper presents the methods used for probing spatially correlated chemical, structural, and mechanical properties of the multilayered scale of Atractosteus spatula (A. spatula) using nanoindentation, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT). The experimental results have been used to investigate the design principles of protective biological materials.
04:38
Preparation of Organotypic Slice Cultures from a Rat Pup's Hippocampus
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2025
This video demonstrates a method for preparing organotypic hippocampal slice cultures from the brain of a rat pup. It outlines the steps involved in the dissection of the hippocampus, slicing, and culture conditions required to promote cell viability and growth in the hippocampal slices, ultimately generating organotypic slice cultures.
02:28
Visualization of Single-Cell Bacterial Interactions
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2025
Source: Yarringto, K. D., et al. Kinetic Visualization of Single-Cell Interspecies Bacterial Interactions. J. Vis. Exp. (2020)This video demonstrates the preparation of a coculture system using motile and non-motile bacteria under an agarose pad for live-cell imaging. It shows how motile bacteria detect chemical attractants and invade non-motile colonies, revealing bacterial interactions.
FAQs
The rigid blade applies force at a localized contact area, giving the user control when moving or positioning material. This is useful for guiding powders, solid reagents, tissue fragments, or other samples without relying on direct contact with the fingers. Controlled contact can also help recover material from containers and place it where the experiment requires.
Using the blade rather than direct hand contact helps separate the researcher from the material being handled. That separation supports cleaner sample preparation and reduces the chance that handling will affect the material or its container. The benefit is especially relevant when contamination could influence experimental results, making appropriate cleaning or sterilization an essential part of tool use.
A spatula provides a rigid, defined surface for applying force, whereas direct handling gives less controlled contact with the sample. Its blade can lift, transfer, spread, or scrape material while keeping the researcher’s hands away from the substance. This makes the implement useful when researchers need controlled manipulation and better laboratory organization during routine work.
The required treatment depends on whether contamination could affect the experimental result. When samples, reagents, or tissue fragments must remain uncontaminated, the spatula should be cleaned or sterilized appropriately before further use. This step protects the reliability of sample preparation and transfer, rather than treating maintenance as merely an organizational task.
A researcher can use the blade to move a powder or solid reagent toward the balance while limiting direct handling. The implement supports controlled placement, which helps keep the material within the intended weighing workflow and reduces contact with hands. Afterward, cleaning or sterilization may be needed if residual material could affect later biological work.
Common uses include transferring powders and solid reagents, recovering specimens from containers, and distributing substances across a surface. The same tool can support sample preparation by moving tissue fragments or other materials with localized contact. These applications make the spatula useful for routine laboratory work, particularly where controlled manipulation and organized handling are needed.