Description
The refurbished Leica VT1200 S is a premier, fully automated vibrating blade microtome designed specifically to slice unfixed, fresh tissue samples in advanced research environments. Engineered in collaboration with leading neuroscientists, it features integrated automated slice feeding, active specimen retraction, and customizable cutting windows to dramatically accelerate sectioning workflows while safeguarding cell viability.
Key Technical Specifications
The Leica VT1200 S platform leverages extreme stability to reduce vertical blade deflection to less than 1 µm, keeping delicate sample surfaces pristine:
- Sectioning Frequency: 85 Hz (± 10%)
- Vibration Amplitude: 0 to 3 mm (adjustable in fine 0.05 mm steps)
- Slicing Speed: 0.01 to 1.5 mm/s
- Return Speed: 1.0 to 5.0 mm/s (adjustable in 0.5 mm steps)
- Total Vertical Stroke: 20 mm (motorized control)
- Specimen Retraction: 0 to 100 µm (fully customizable or safe to deactivate)
- Max Cut Thickness: Up to 1,000 µm (manual or automated adjustments)
- Instrument Dimensions: 600 mm × 250 mm × 230 mm
- Basic Unit Weight: 56 kg (approx. 123 lbs)
Core Engineering Features
 Maximum Cell & Morphology Viability
The innovative blade holder design minimizes mechanical trauma, allowing researchers to gather sections with a higher density of viable cells on the surface—crucial for patch-clamp and electrophysiology work.
Secure Magnetic Specimen Handling
Interchangeable magnetic specimen holders provide stable, highly reproducible sample orientation. Quick-release configurations make transition steps smooth between embedding protocols and active blade paths.
🔪 Versatile Blade Integration
The protective universal blade holder comfortably fits standard double-edged razor blades, sapphire knives, or injector styles, ensuring safer daily handling and preventing cross-contamination.
Premium Research Applications
Unlike standard tissue sectioning equipment, the VT1200 S system excels at slicing fresh, soft, or wet biomaterials without relying on aggressive chemical embedding or freezing routines:
- Neurophysiology & Neuroscience: Viable brain slices and spinal cord mapping.
- Electrophysiology: Precision tissue preparation required for patch-clamp recording.
- Biotechnology & Engineering: Live-cell imaging, hydrogels, and synthetic tissue scaffolding workflows.
- Botanical Labs: Clean sections through delicate root systems, plant tissues, and cellular foams.
