A gel-halo sample pellet: The best of both worlds? Stubby zones without a constricted sample gate

This reduces cell quantity, in the same way as does a narrower bore sample gate. The cells are confined to the center of the gate, inside a halo of electrolyte (D-1 buffer, here) immobilized by gel, which halo mechanically retains the ice pellet in position prior to thaw. The gel halo can be retained by the same gentle ridge as is contemplated for the ice pellet, and the ice pellet can be likewise retained within the gel halo.