A biocompatible supramolecular hydrogel mesh for sample stabilization in light microscopy and nanoscopy

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Microscopy Techniques
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Traditional embedding media for microscopy present challenges like toxicity, long polymerization times, and irreversible transitions.
• Biological gels offer limited batch consistency and require harsh conditions for sample recovery.
• Current methods often damage or kill embedded samples during recovery, hindering further research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel supramolecular hydrogel for live-sample microscopy.
• To enable non-destructive sample recovery for subsequent observation and analysis.
• To ensure compatibility with advanced imaging techniques like super-resolution microscopy.

Main Methods:

• Development of a supramolecular hydrogel with reversible sol-gel properties.
• Microscopy of small living organisms embedded in the hydrogel.
• Sample recovery via simple aqueous pipetting.
• Compatibility testing with STED nanoscopy.

Main Results:

• The hydrogel allows for simple, non-damaging recovery of live organisms through vigorous pipetting with water.
• Recovered organisms remain alive and capable of further development, unlike those from other matrices.
• The hydrogel is compatible with multi-color super-resolution STED nanoscopy.
• The gel avoids issues of toxicity and irreversibility associated with conventional embedding media.

Conclusions:

• This supramolecular hydrogel offers a significant advancement for live-sample microscopy and recovery.
• It provides a gentle and effective method for embedding and retrieving small organisms for diverse research applications.
• The hydrogel's compatibility with super-resolution techniques broadens its utility in advanced biological imaging.