Matrix Sectioning Blocks (Brain & Heart)
Unified matrix sectioning family covering brain coronal, brain sagittal, and heart coronal configurations across section spacing and size ranges.
Louise Corscadden, PhD
Neuroscience · ConductScience
Ask Louise about Matrix Sectioning Blocks (Brain & Heart) fit, setup, configuration, or quote prep.
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Introduction
Conduct Science coronal brain matrices are crafted from stainless steel. They aid in the dissection of specific regions of a rodent brain, enabling the investigator to slice repeatable coronal sections of the sample. This provides precise blocking before microtome sectioning and the excision of small, reproducible brain regions for biochemical analysis, such as the determination of metabolite and neurotransmitter concentrations. Individual areas of the brain may be dissected, stained, or micro punched from the slices created.
Our coronal brain matrices are specifically designed and developed for long-term use. They are sturdy and can be autoclaved, heated, chilled, and even used by undergrads. They also have the additional feature of a mid-line cut to facilitate splitting of the left and right hemispheres.
Each matrix has been precisely machined to ensure reproducible sections. This allows the investigator to slice coronal sections at 1mm intervals. Olfactory and spinal notches included. Other sizes and materials are available upon request. Feel free to contact Technical Support for additional information.
Specifications
|
Model |
Product Description |
A(mm) |
B(mm) |
C(mm) |
D(mm) |
E(mm) |
Depth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
RWD-BMCS-68707 |
Brain Matrix, Mouse 40-75g, Coronal, 1mm, Stainless steel |
3.18 |
11.1 |
8.73 |
19.1 |
12.5 |
7.4 |
|
RWD-BMCS-68713 |
Brain Matrix, Mouse, 40-75g, Coronal, 0.5mm,Stainless steel |
3.18 |
11.1 |
8.73 |
19.1 |
12.5 |
7.4 |
|
RWD-BMCS-68709 |
Brain Matrix, Rat, 75-300g, Coronal, 1mm, Stainless steel |
4.76 |
17.9 |
14.7 |
36.6 |
27.35 |
8.94 |
|
RWD-BMCS-68711 |
Brain Matrix, Rat, 300-600g, Coronal, 1mm, Stainless steel |
4.76 |
19.8 |
14.7 |
36.6 |
25.7 |
10.91 |
|
RWD-BMCS-68715 |
Brain Matrix, Rat, 75-300g, Coronal, 0.5mm, Stainless steel |
4.76 |
17.9 |
14.7 |
36.6 |
27.35 |
8.94 |
|
RWD-BMCS-68717 |
Brain Matrix, Rat, 300-600g, Coronal, 0.5mm, Stainless steel |
4.76 |
19.8 |
14.7 |
36.6 |
25.7 |
10.91 |
Features
- Highest Quality – built from high-quality stainless steel (harder than acrylic, aluminum, and zinc), our matrices are guaranteed to withstand repeated autoclave sterilizing cycles and scrubbing without damaging the surfaces.
- Highly Accurate – the durable stainless steel material drives the cutting blade firmly to provide the accuracy needed for your experiment/research.
- Superfine – cutting-edge manufacturing techniques ensure the narrowest channels separated by the finest walls available in the market, allowing you to dissect your sample into fine slices that are as much as 30 percent thinner than previously attainable with standard 0.5 - 1.0 mm matrices.
- Multiple Uses – our matrices are perfect for creating sections for biochemical analysis of various substances; for pharmacokinetic studies using the brain slice uptake technique; and for accurate blocking prior to microtome sectioning.
Matrix Model Options (updated Mar 11 2026)
| Model | Section Spacing | Species | Body Mass | SKU | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brain Coronal | 0.5 mm | Rat | 300-600g | RWD-BMCS-68717 | $305 |
| Brain Coronal | 0.5 mm | Mouse | 40-75g | RWD-BMCS-68713 | $310 |
| Brain Coronal | 0.5 mm | Rat | 75-300g | RWD-BMCS-68715 | $305 |
| Brain Coronal | 1 mm | Rat | 300-600g | RWD-BMCS-68711 | $305 |
| Brain Coronal | 1 mm | Mouse | 40-75g | RWD-BMCS-68707 | $305 |
| Brain Coronal | 1 mm | Rat | 75-300g | RWD-BMCS-68709 | $305 |
| Brain Sagittal | 0.5 mm | Rat | 175-300g | RWD-BMSC-68716 | $426 |
| Brain Sagittal | 0.5 mm | Rat | 300-600g | RWD-BMSC-68718 | $426 |
| Brain Sagittal | 0.5 mm | Mouse | 40-75g | RWD-BMSC-68714 | $426 |
| Brain Sagittal | 1 mm | Rat | 175-300g | RWD-BMSC-68710 | $285 |
| Brain Sagittal | 1 mm | Rat | 300-600g | RWD-BMSC-68712 | $285 |
| Brain Sagittal | 1 mm | Mouse | 40-75g | RWD-BMSC-68708 | $285 |
| Heart Coronal | 0.5 mm | Rat | 175-400g | 68722 | $461 |
| Heart Coronal | 0.5 mm | Mouse | 20-75g | 68721 | $414 |
| Heart Coronal | 1 mm | Rat | 175-400g | 68720 | $414 |
| Heart Coronal | 1 mm | Mouse | 20-75g | 68719 | $360 |
How It Works
The brain matrix operates on the principle of guided sectioning using precision-machined slot guides that maintain perpendicular orientation to the brain's anatomical axes. The coronal orientation cuts are made perpendicular to the rostral-caudal axis, generating sections that display bilateral brain structures in cross-section. Slot spacing at 1mm or 0.5mm intervals ensures consistent section thickness, critical for quantitative analysis and cross-study comparisons.
The stainless steel construction provides the rigidity necessary to maintain cutting plane accuracy while resisting deformation during use. Integrated anatomical reference features, including olfactory and spinal cord notches, ensure consistent brain positioning relative to standard anatomical coordinates. The midline groove facilitates precise hemisphere separation when bilateral analysis is required, enabling left-right comparisons or independent hemisphere processing.
Sample preparation involves placing the fresh or fixed brain tissue within the matrix guides, aligning anatomical landmarks with the reference notches, and using a sharp blade to section through the slot guides. The resulting sections maintain consistent thickness and anatomical orientation, suitable for further processing including microtome sectioning, tissue punching, or direct biochemical analysis.
Features & Benefits
Matrix Model
- Brain Coronal
- Species Rat, Animal Weight 75-300g, Section Spacing 0.5mm
- Brain Coronal
- Species Rat, Animal Weight 300-600g, Section Spacing 0.5mm
- Brain Coronal
- Species Mouse, Animal Weight 40-75g, Section Spacing 1mm
- Brain Coronal
- Species Rat, Animal Weight 300-600g, Section Spacing 1mm
- Brain Coronal
- Species Rat, Animal Weight 75-300g, Section Spacing 1mm
- Brain Coronal
- Species Mouse, Animal Weight 40-75g, Section Spacing 0.5mm
- Brain Sagittal
- Section 0.5 mm, Size 300-600g
- Brain Sagittal
- Section 0.5 mm, Size 175-300g
- Brain Sagittal
- Section 1 mm, Size 300-600g
- Brain Sagittal
- Section 1 mm, Size 175-300g
- Brain Sagittal
- Section 0.5 mm, Size 40-75g
- Brain Sagittal
- Section 1 mm, Size 40-75g
- Heart Coronal
- Section 0.5 mm, Size 175-400g
- Heart Coronal
- Section 0.5 mm, Size 20-75g
- Heart Coronal
- Section 1 mm, Size 175-400g
- Heart Coronal
- Section 1 mm, Size 20-75g
Weight
- 44.02 kg
Dimensions
- L: 46.5 mm
- W: 44.0 mm
- H: 35.5 mm
| Feature | This Product | Typical Alternative | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Section Thickness Options | Available in 1mm and 0.5mm slot spacing configurations | Many models offer only single thickness options or less precise spacing | Provides flexibility to match section thickness to experimental requirements without purchasing multiple tools. |
| Anatomical Reference Features | Integrated olfactory and spinal notches plus midline groove | Basic models often lack anatomical reference points | Ensures consistent brain positioning and enables reproducible orientation across researchers and experiments. |
| Material Construction | Stainless steel with autoclave capability | Plastic models cannot withstand sterilization | Enables use in sterile applications and provides long-term durability for high-throughput laboratories. |
| Species Optimization | Specifically dimensioned for 40-75g mouse brains | Generic designs may not securely hold smaller brain samples | Prevents tissue movement during sectioning, improving cut quality and reducing sample loss. |
This brain matrix combines precision machining with practical design features including dual thickness options, integrated anatomical references, and autoclavable construction. The mouse-specific optimization ensures secure tissue positioning while the stainless steel construction provides durability for extended laboratory use.
Practical Tips
Chill the brain matrix and cutting blade on ice for 10-15 minutes before sectioning fresh tissue.
Why: Cooler temperatures firm the tissue slightly, reducing compression and improving cut quality.
Inspect slot edges regularly for nicks or damage that could affect cutting plane accuracy.
Why: Damaged guides can cause blade deflection, resulting in angled cuts and inconsistent section thickness.
Verify slot spacing periodically using precision calipers, especially after autoclaving cycles.
Why: Repeated thermal cycling may cause minor dimensional changes that could affect section thickness consistency.
Always cut away from your body and keep fingers clear of the blade path when sectioning.
Why: Sharp blades can cause serious injury if proper cutting technique and hand positioning are not maintained.
Number sections sequentially and photograph the matrix position before sectioning for documentation.
Why: Maintains anatomical coordinate reference and enables reconstruction of section positions for analysis.
If sections appear compressed, ensure the blade is sharp and perpendicular to the slot guides.
Why: Dull blades or angled cutting can compress tissue rather than cleanly severing it, affecting downstream analysis.
Process sections immediately after cutting or place in appropriate preservation solution to prevent degradation.
Why: Exposed brain tissue is vulnerable to enzymatic degradation and oxidation that can affect biochemical and molecular analyses.
Setup Guide
What’s in the Box
- Brain Matrix: Coronal Section (stainless steel)
- User manual with positioning guidelines
- Anatomical reference guide (typical)
Warranty
ConductScience provides a one-year manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, with technical support available for setup and protocol optimization.
Compliance
What is the precision of section thickness when using the 1mm slot spacing?
The precision-machined slots maintain consistent spacing within standard machining tolerances. For exact specifications, consult the product datasheet. Actual section thickness depends on blade sharpness and cutting technique.
Can this matrix be used with fixed tissue, or only fresh brain samples?
The matrix accommodates both fresh and fixed tissue. However, paraformaldehyde-fixed brains may require slightly different handling due to increased tissue firmness and potential dimensional changes from fixation.
How should I maintain blade sharpness for consistent cuts?
Use fresh single-edge razor blades or sharp microtome blades for each brain. Replace blades immediately when cutting resistance increases or section edges become ragged to maintain clean, perpendicular cuts.
Is the matrix compatible with cryostat sectioning workflows?
Yes, the matrix generates initial blocks suitable for cryostat sectioning. The consistent thickness and orientation facilitate mounting and further sectioning for microscopic analysis.
What is the maximum brain size that fits in the mouse matrix?
The matrix is optimized for mice weighing 40-75g. Larger specimens may not fit properly within the dimensional constraints, potentially compromising sectioning accuracy and tissue integrity.
Can I section both hemispheres simultaneously or should I separate them first?
You can section the whole brain first, then use the midline groove to separate hemispheres from individual sections, or separate hemispheres initially and section each independently based on your experimental requirements.
How do I clean the matrix between different experimental groups?
Clean thoroughly with detergent and water, followed by 70% ethanol. For experiments requiring sterile conditions, autoclave the matrix between uses to prevent cross-contamination between sample groups.
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Accessories
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