UranyLess TEM staining alternative for Uranyl Acetate
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UranyLess TEM staining alternative for Uranyl Acetate
fast-acting, non-radioactive lanthanide staining mix
UranyLess
UranyLess is an efficient, ready to use staining substitute for uranyl acetate delivering similar results. With Uranyless there is an real alternative to uranyl acetate, without the problems with restrictions, toxicity and waste elimination procedures associated with uranyl acetate.
Staining protocol:
- Place a droplet of UranyLess on parafilm or a hydrophobic slide
- Place the TEM grid on the UranyLess droplet for 1-2 minutes
- Blot the grid with filter paper
- Then wash the grid in distilled water
- Let the grid with sample dry
UranyLess is a proprietary mix of multiple lanthanides with a great affinity for biological material and comes as a ready to use aqueous solution. It has been tested on many biological tissue, both animal and plant. The UranyLess staining solution is ideal for ultra-fine sections and negative staining. UranyLess is an efficient, non-radioactive lanthanide staining mix. After only one minute of contact, the sections or deposits are stained to provide contrast for subsequent TEM imaging. If needed, lead citrate is recommended to enhance contrast; classic staining protocol after Reynolds (1963).
Uranyless is now supplied in three versions to broading the application filed:
- Uranyless Aqeuous solution for standard tissue application,pH level is 6.8-7.0
- Uranyless E in 30% ethanol Ready to use for difficult to contrast tissue such very dense, fibrous or lipid-rich tissues. Ethanol enhances contrast penetration while preserving tissue integrity.
- Uranyless C in Acetone used for cryo-applications, particularly for freeze substation techniques (AFS)
UranyLess is supplied in three packaging options:
- 30ml Airless bottle to avoid waste by precise application of droplets
- 100ml bottle for bulk application
- 200ml bottle for LEICA or RMC automated stainers
With 30ml you can stain approximately 1500 TEM grids. The UranyLess solution has a shelf life of 12 months after opening.
Comparison table for Uranyless staining solutions
Type |
Uranyless Aqueous |
Acetone |
In 30% Ethanol |
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Product Number |
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Product name |
Uranyless |
Uranyless C |
Uranyless E |
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Volume |
30 ml |
100nm |
200 ml |
100 ml |
30 ml |
200 ml |
Use |
Contrast agent for ultrathin sections or negative staining |
Cryofixation Blockstaining for AFS |
Staining of dense and lipid-rich tissues |
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Technique |
Manual |
Manual |
Autostainer |
Manual |
Manual |
Autostainer |
Packaging |
Airless bottle |
HDPE bottle |
HDPE bottle |
Glass bottle |
Airless bottle |
HDPE bottle |
Expiration |
12 months |
12 months |
12 monts |
12 months |
12 months |
12 months |
Lead citrate.
Although UranyLess has a strong contasting effect, it is recommended to use lead citrate to enhance the contrast following the classic staining protocol according to Reynolds. We offer a ready to use 3% lead citrate solution in an Airless bottle which is filled w/o air and delivers the lead citrate droplets through a push-pump system thus eliminating CO2 contamination.
Videos: (In French, but easy to follow without any knowledge of French)| Classic staining protocol of thin section with UranyLess | Staining with UranyLess and contrast enhancement with lead citrate |
Technical Support Bulletin: UranyLess staining protocols
FAQ: FAQ
Ordering information for UranyLess and Lead Citrate
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FAQ – Frequently asked questions about UranyLess
Q: What is Uranyless made from? Q: What is the shelf life of UranyLess? Q: What are the storage conditions for UranyLess? Q: How can Uranyless be used? Q: What is the pH of UranyLess? Q: How to stain with UranyLess? Q: Is it the same protocol for different kind of tissue? Q: Is it compatible with different type of resins? Q: Can UranyLess be used for negative staining? Q: Can it be used for block staining? Q: Can UranyLess be used at cryo applications? Q: Can UranyLess be used on the Leica EM Stain? Q: How do dispose of UranyLess waste? Q: How is UranyLess packaged? Q: How does the Airless bottle operate? Q: What are the advantages of the Airless bottle?
A Uranyless is a mix of lanthanides in an aqueous solution 
A: Unlimited; with a 30ml bottle it should cover a year of average use
A: Store at room temperature; it is not light sensitive
A: It is ready for use; no dilution needed – see Technical Support Bulletin
A: It is 6.8-7, different to uranyl acetate which has a pH of 4
A: Place your grid on a droplet of UranyLess, wait a minute. Dry and then contrast with lead citrate according the Reynolds protocol.
A: Yes, it is the same for animal, plant, marine tissue; UtanyLess and contrast enhancement with lead citrate
A: Yes, it works with different embedding resins (Epon, Spurr, Araldite….)
A: Yes, see Technical Support Bulletin
A: Test are in progress
A: No; it is an aquous solution which will freeze. Current developments are other Uranyless solution in alcohol and acetone.
A: Yes, the 200ml packaging is compatible with the Leica EM Stain
A: UranyLess contains lanthanides (heavy elements) and need to be disposed according to rules for heavy elements.
A: Standard packaging is a 30ml Airless bottle to avoid CO2 contamination, alternatively it is available in a 200ml square glass bottle
A: It is a bottle which doesn’t let air in (eliminates CO2 contamination). Simply press the top of the bottle to get a drop delivered. When you release the pump actuator lifts the head up.
A: It doesn’t let air in to eliminate CO2 contamination. It delivers drop by drop, ready to use and it reduces waste. With the Airless bottle, the product has a longer shelf life.
