MIBE Seminar: New Staining Tools for 3D Soft-Tissue Imaging: Laboratory-based High-Resolution X-ray Imaging.

Topic: New Staining Tools for 3D Soft-Tissue Imaging: Laboratory-based High-Resolution X-ray Imaging

Speaker: Dr. Madleen Busse, Senior Researcher (Pfeiffer Group)

Date and Time: Tuesday, 05 July 2022, 1:00 pm

Abstract: The application of 3D X-ray imaging for biological samples (e.g. biopsies) to gain a deeper understanding of microscopic structures on a (sub)cellular level is limited by the missing attenuation contrast of soft tissue. The development of novel staining tools for X-ray soft‑tissue imaging will overcome these challenges. The application of recently developed methods are highlighted combining a laboratory‑based nanoscopic X‑ray CT setup enabling resolutions down to 120 nm with target‑specific X‑ray staining protocols. The staining tools were designed to improve the attenuation contrast in X-ray imaging, which is achieved by changing chemical parameters such as the fixative, the stain concentration within the sample or the introduction of elements with a high atomic number Z and density. The results clearly show that the X-ray attenuation contrast in the samples is remarkably improved by our staining methods and detailed tissue (sub)structures are apparent, which cannot be visualized without the staining. The nanoscopic CT data reproduce the tissue morphology with a similar level of detail as the corresponding histological light microscopy images in 2D and enable pathological characterization of the crucial structures. Beyond that, the applied methods allow for visualization of the 3D tissue architecture, offering deeper insights into the 3D microscopic structure of soft‑tissue. Moreover, by demonstrating the compatibility of the X-ray stains with standard histological staining methods, we highlight the feasibility of integrating staining-based nanoscopic CT imaging into the pathological routine. This work highlights the potential of 3D X‑ray histology as a tool for modern histological and histopathological applications.