CRISTAL - sample embedding for correlative microscopy

Presented here is a novel embedding procedure for correlativ microscopy, that is based upon UV-curable resins, that both fix and optically clear the specimen by optimal adjustment of the refractive index for light sheet microscopical or optical tomography (SLOT) analyses. Subsequently, the same embedded samples can be sectioned an further processed for immunohistochemical or electron microscopical analyses. In addition, the procedure allows for subsequent molecular biological analyses, such as RNA-extraction.

Challenge

Correlative microscopy enables the combination of various imaging techniques with each other or with subsequent molecular biological or biochemical analyses leading to a much more comprehensive analysis of one and the same specimen. It therefore represents a promising new method for biomedical research, as it for instance allows for correlation of morphological phenotypes with molecular composition of a sample or enables ultra-resolution nanoscopy of regions of interest identified in overview 3D-images.
However, often times conflicting requirements of sample preparation prohibit the combination of certain methods. The analysis of a single specimen from macro- to nano-scales or its analysis with different analytical methods such as morphological and molecular biological techniques can be difficult at best. For example, movement and deformation during the measurement, that often times occur in morphological unstable cleared probes, as used for 3D-imaging of large samples, can lead to severe artifacts regarding specimen morphology and imaging data. In contrast, slower movement of the probe during imaging, would lead to prolonged measurement durations.
Subsequent histological analyses usually require embedding of a samples into a suitable embedding medium. The embedding procedure however, can lead to severe morphological deformation, rendering obtained images hardly comparable to large scale 3D-overview images. Furthermore, subsequent molecular analyses, such as RNA-extraction, are often times incompatible with large scale imaging due to biodegradation of the sample during longer imaging sessions.

Fig. 1: CRISTAL Workflow. A) CRISTAL-embedded optically cleared leg of a mouse (Source: Dr. Ripken, LZH). B) Workflow of a correlative study. First, CRISTAL-embedded samples can be screened by using for instance SLOT. The blocks can then be sectioned according to interesting regions of interest (ROI), which can then be further investigated with for instance multiphoton microscopy (MPM) of the block surface or by histology and light or electron microscopy of the respective sections (Source: adapted from Kellner et al., 2016, Sci Rep).

Our Solution

To solve the aformentioned problems, CRISTAL (Curing Resin-Infiltrated Sample for Transparent Analysis with Light) was developed. CRISTAL represents a novel embedding procedure for biological specimen, utilizing an UV-curable resin that contains a mercapto-ester compound (for example Norland Optical Adhesive 68 and 71). Embedding biological specimen in said medium allows for adjustment of the refractive index after polymerization in the range from n = 1,45 to n = 1,6. UV-polymerization fixes the probe, stabilizing it especially for fast movements during 3D-imaging like optical tomography (SLOT), ultra microscopy, optical projection tomography (OPT) or light sheet microscopy. Additionally, embedded specimen can be sectioned and futher be subjected to immunohistochemical analyses or electron microscopy. Furthermore, even after prolonged storage, embedded probes can be used for molecular biological techniques. As such, molecular profiling by RNA-extraction was still possible with stored samples.

Fig. 2: Correlative microscopy of an accessory lung lobe of a rat. A) Fixed accessory lung lobe of a rat and B) after resin-based clearing (Source: adapted from Kellner et al., 2016, Sci Rep). Image correlation of an optical slice by SLOT (A) and a histological section by light microscopy (B). Scale bar: 500 µm (Source: adapted from Kellner et al., 2012, J Appl Physiol.). C) 2D MPM mosaic image of a CRISTAL-embedded accessory lung lobe of a rat on the surface of the sectioned block. Scale bar: 1 mm (Source: adapted from Kellner et al., 2016, Sci Rep).

Advantages

sample fixation for SLOT or light sheet microscopy as well as other micro- and macroskopic imaging techniques
optimal adjustment of the refractive index
virtual 3D-histopathology of whole organs
subsequent sectioning for detailed histology or electron microscopy
protection to biodegradation, RNA-extraction possible even after longer storage periods

Applications

correlative microscopy
combination of 3D-imaging with histological and molecular biological techniques
combination of 3D-imaging with electron microscopy

Development Status

functionality proven in various tissues
the procedure can be used immediately

Patent status

Granted german patent: DE102014108642B3
Granted US patent: US10401266B2
European patent application: EP3158311A1
Granted israeli patent: IL249598

Patent holder:
Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V.

References

Kellner M, Heidrich M, Lorbeer RA, Antonopoulos GC, Knudsen L, Wrede C, Izykowski N, Grothausmann R, Jonigk D, Ochs M, Ripken T, Kühnel MP, Meyer H. 2016. A combined method for correlative 3D imaging of biological samples from macro to nano scale. Sci Rep. 6:35606. doi: 10.1038/srep35606.

Kellner M, Wehling J, Warnecke G, Heidrich M, Izykowski N et al. 2015. Correlating 3D morphology with molecular pathology: fibrotic remodelling in human lung biopsies. Thorax. 70:1197-1198.

Kellner M, Heidrich M, Beigel R, Lorbeer RA, Knudsen L et al. 2012. Imaging of the mouse lung with scanning laser optical tomography (SLOT). J Appl Physiol. 113:975-983.

Contact

Dr. Martin Andresen
Patent Manager Life Sciences
E-Mail:This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Tel.: +49 (0) 551 30 724 150
Reference: CPA-1711-LZH
www.sciencebridge.de

Tags: Laser physics and optics