Fabrication of an Expandable Brain Matrix Customizable Across Developmental Stages.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Comparative Anatomy
• Histology

Background:

• Newborn piglets are valuable models for neonatal research.
• Existing brain matrices have limited utility due to rapid piglet brain growth.
• Accurate histological sectioning requires specialized tools.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an adjustable and cost-effective brain matrix for piglet brains.
• To enable precise histological sectioning across different developmental stages.
• To support research in neonatal development and pathology using piglet models.

Main Methods:

• A custom brain matrix was constructed using agarose gel and transparent acrylic plates.
• Templates were created from formalin-fixed piglet brains for matrix construction.
• The matrix design allows for adjustable thickness (2 mm or 5 mm) and orientation (coronal or sagittal).

Main Results:

• A method for creating customizable brain matrices was successfully demonstrated.
• The matrices effectively adapted to various sizes of piglet brains.
• Both coronal and sagittal matrices were constructed for different age groups.

Conclusions:

• A simple, adaptable, and cost-effective brain matrix construction method is presented.
• This tool enhances the utility of piglet models in neurological research.
• The customizable matrix addresses the limitations of commercial options for large animal models.