A primer on the methods of skeletal and cardiac muscle mechanics using permeabilized preparations

Permeabilized muscle fibers have a chemically disturbed sarcolemma that allows for the mixing of the extra- and intracellular environments and is important for a large variety of experimental methods. The experimental tools and skillsets used to study muscle mechanics vary widely between groups and are often underreported in published methodologies. More accessible details help improve the transparency of the method and provide primary reference material. To that end, we use our firsthand experiences to provide a guide for the preparation and use of permeabilized fibers. We focus on tissue collection, experimental apparatus design and function, practical considerations for handling preparations during an experiment, and detail some key changes to the structure of permeabilized samples. We further suggest ways scientists can take advantage of emerging technologies to increase experimental throughput, decrease experimental error, and support (or improve) data quality.