Welcome to tissue microindentation- a technique that allows scientists to probe the tiny mechanical properties of soft tissues at the microscale. Why does this matter? Deep inside our bodies, tissues behave differently depending on their microenvironment, and understanding the changes in their mechanical properties unravels complex diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions.
However, capturing local tissue differences is a race against time. Microindentation must be performed within hours of tissue harvest to prevent degradation, presenting significant challenges in sample preparation and testing.
The challenge
Fresh tissues degrade rapidly, losing their native properties within hours. This means researchers face a tight deadline to slice, mount, and test these tissues before their mechanical integrity changes. Cryosectioning—freezing tissue for slicing—has traditionally been the go-to solution. Still, there’s a catch: freezing alters tissue’s mechanical behavior, making the data less reflective of in vivo conditions.
The need for a rapid, reliable, and standardized method to prepare fresh tissues for microindentation has been a long-standing hurdle. But now, thanks to researchers at the University of Limerick, we have a novel solution.
The solution
After testing various methods, researchers discovered that embedding tissue in a mix of 2.5% agarose and 1.5% gelatin offers the optimal balance. This combination stabilizes the tissue, prevents tearing, and allows researchers to complete their tests within two hours of tissue degradation.
But why does this have an impact? By using this method, researchers can now:
- Preserve tissue hydration, ensuring results that mimic in vivo biological conditions.
- Capture micro-level mechanical differences, offering more accurate data for developing 3D biomimetic models.
- Standardize testing across various tissues, from human veins to porcine intestines, making results more comparable and reproducible.
Note. Adapted from “Microindentation of fresh soft biological tissue: A rapid tissue sectioning and mounting protocol”, McCarthy, CM, 2024, PLoS One. 2024 Feb 29;19(2):e0297618. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297618. © 2024 McCarthy et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the CC BY 4.0.
Why does this matter?
With this novel protocol, researchers can simulate how tissues respond to diseases and treatments in a significantly more realistic way. Imagine creating a 3D model of a tumor that behaves like it would inside the human body. This could revolutionize how we test potential drugs, design surgical procedures, and even develop personalized medicine.
Advancing preclinical studies on tissue mechanics
This rapid microindentation protocol isn’t just a technical improvement—it’s a leap forward in understanding and treating diseases. By mastering the microenvironment of tissues, researchers are better equipped to bridge the gap between the lab and the clinic, bringing us closer to novel therapies.
The next time you hear about a revolutionary novel treatment, remember: it might just be built on precise, rapid, and reliable microindentation techniques—and a humble mix of gelatin and agarose.
Reference
McCarthy CM, et al. Microindentation of fresh soft biological tissue: A rapid tissue sectioning and mounting protocol. PLoS One. 2024 Feb 29;19(2):e0297618. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297618.
Disclaimer for the use of this blog article in research and development: This blog simplifies complex and scientific information for general understanding. The content is meant for educational purposes, highlighting advances in fresh tissue investigation. Readers are encouraged to consult scientific articles for detailed insights and to recognize the broader context of this research within the scientific community.
