Integrating Complex Permittivity Measurements with Histological Analysis for Advanced Tissue Characterization

We developed a measurement setup and protocol reliably relating complex permittivity measurements with tissue characterization and specific histological features. We measured 148 fresh human tissue samples across 14 tissue types at 51 frequencies ranging from 200 MHz to 20 GHz, using an open-ended coaxial slim probe. Tissue samples were collected using a punch biopsy, ensuring that the sampled area encompassed the region where complex permittivity measurements were performed. This approach minimized experimental uncertainty related to potential position-dependent variations in permittivity. Once measured, the samples were then formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) to obtain histological slides for microscopic analysis of tissue features. We observed that complex permittivity values are strongly associated with key histological features, including fat content, necrosis, and fibrosis. Most tissue samples exhibiting these features could be differentiated from nominal values for that tissue type, even accounting for statistical variability and instrumental uncertainties. These findings demonstrate the potential of incorporating fast in situ complex permittivity for fresh tissue characterization in pathology workflows. Furthermore, our work lays the groundwork for enhancing databases where complex permittivity values are measured under histological control, enabling precise correlations between permittivity values, tissue characterization, and histological features.