Label-free automated three-dimensional imaging of whole organs by microtomy-assisted photoacoustic microscopy

Nat Commun. 2017 Nov 9;8(1):1386. doi: 10.1038/s41467-017-01649-3.

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) optical imaging of whole biological organs with microscopic resolution has remained a challenge. Most versions of such imaging techniques require special preparation of the tissue specimen. Here we demonstrate microtomy-assisted photoacoustic microscopy (mPAM) of mouse brains and other organs, which automatically acquires serial distortion-free and registration-free images with endogenous absorption contrasts. Without tissue staining or clearing, mPAM generates micrometer-resolution 3D images of paraffin- or agarose-embedded whole organs with high fidelity, achieved by label-free simultaneous sensing of DNA/RNA, hemoglobins, and lipids. mPAM provides histology-like imaging of cell nuclei, blood vessels, axons, and other anatomical structures, enabling the application of histopathological interpretation at the organelle level to analyze a whole organ. Its deep tissue imaging capability leads to less sectioning, resulting in negligible sectioning artifact. mPAM offers a new way to better understand complex biological organs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / cytology
  • Equipment Design
  • Formaldehyde
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Kidney / cytology
  • Lung / cytology
  • Mice
  • Microscopy / instrumentation
  • Microscopy / methods*
  • Microtomy
  • Molecular Imaging / methods
  • Paraffin Embedding
  • Photoacoustic Techniques / instrumentation
  • Photoacoustic Techniques / methods*
  • Sepharose
  • Tissue Embedding / methods
  • Ultraviolet Rays

Substances

  • Formaldehyde
  • Sepharose