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FLUID: a fluorescence-friendly lipid-compatible ultrafast clearing method
Zizheng Wang1, Xiao Xiao1,2, Ziwen Zhou1
1Department of Psychiatry of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, College of Optical Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
Biomedical Optics Express
|October 18, 2024
Summary
We developed FLUID, a rapid, water-based tissue clearing method that preserves lipids and fluorescence. This technique enables high-quality 3D imaging for applications in pathology and lipid research.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Neuroscience
- Histology
Background:
- Tissue clearing methods often compromise lipid structures for transparency.
- Existing lipid-preserving methods struggle to balance transparency, fluorescence retention, and speed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a rapid, water-based tissue clearing method that preserves lipids and fluorescence.
- To overcome limitations of current clearing techniques in lipid research and 3D imaging.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel water-based clearing solution (FLUID).
- Evaluated lipid preservation, fluorescence stability (up to 60 days), and tissue morphology.
- Tested compatibility with various fluorescent labels and pathological stains.
Main Results:
- FLUID achieved rapid tissue clearing while preserving lipids and endogenous fluorescence.
- Negligible tissue distortion was observed.
- Demonstrated compatibility with diverse labeling techniques and pathological stains, including on human brain tissue.
Conclusions:
- FLUID offers a balanced approach to tissue clearing, preserving lipids and fluorescence.
- The method is suitable for high-quality 3D imaging, including applications in clinical pathology and biopsy.
- FLUID advances 3D imaging capabilities for lipid research and diagnostics.
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