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Ultrahigh Transparent and Toughness Copolymer Eutectogels via Phase Separation for Fast Tissue Clearing and 2D/3D Imaging

  • 0The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang, School of Ocean and Tropical Medicine, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang 524023, China.
Biomacromolecules +

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August 21, 2025

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August 21, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

We developed a novel eutectogel for transparent 3D tissue imaging. This advanced material enhances tissue clearing and preserves cellular structures for high-resolution microscopy.

Area Of Science

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Advanced Imaging Techniques
  • Tissue Engineering

Background

  • Gel-based tissue clearing is crucial for 3D imaging but struggles with resolution in large samples.
  • Consistent high-resolution imaging across diverse tissue types remains a significant challenge.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To develop a novel phase-separated eutectogel for enhanced tissue clearing and high-resolution 3D imaging.
  • To create a transparent, mechanically robust hydrogel with tunable properties for biological applications.

Main Methods

  • Radical copolymerization of acrylamide and N,N-dimethylacrylamide in a eutectic solvent (antipyrine/erythritol/imidazole).
  • Characterization of the eutectogel's optical transparency, mechanical properties (strength, Young's modulus, toughness), and tissue compatibility.
  • Evaluation of its efficacy in clearing thick tissues and preserving fluorescence for imaging.

Main Results

  • The eutectogel achieved over 90% transparency, enabling rapid clearing of thick tissues and whole organs.
  • It demonstrated high mechanical strength (4.2 MPa), Young's modulus (9.8 MPa), and toughness (0.78 MJ m⁻³), increasing tissue strength over 120-fold.
  • The material preserved original tissue size and multi-color fluorescence, facilitating high-resolution imaging of cellular and subcellular structures.

Conclusions

  • The phase-separated eutectogel offers a universal platform for advanced 3D tissue imaging and analysis.
  • Its tunable properties and robust mechanical strength advance tissue clearing technologies for biomedical research and tissue engineering.