X-ray Computed Tomography For Materials & Life Science 10. Preparing Life Science Samples

You will learn sample preparation techniques for life science samples. These samples typically require preservation to ensure that ‘as lifelike as possible’ CT data can be collected. Additionally, these types of samples typically have low density contrast and thus benefit from staining. Different techniques will be discussed, and examples of X‑ray CT data for life science samples are presented.

Resources

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• Theory and practice of fixation of tissues - Study of ideal fixatives: Eltoum et al. (2001), J. Histotechnol., 24 (3), 173–19
• Penetration rate of fixatives, original work: Medawar et al. (1941), J. R. Microsc. Soc., 61(1-2), 46-57
• Penetration rate of fixatives, more recent work: Dempster et al. (1960), Am. J. Anat., 107 (1), 59–72
• Contrast comparison of staining agents: Metscher et al. (2009), Dev. Dyn., 238 (3), 632–640
• Wet and dried pig heart comparison: Pallares-Lupon et al. (2021), bioRxiv 2021.07.29.454121
• Micro-CT imaging of paraffin-embedded human Lung tissue: Scott et al. (2015), PLoS ONE,10(6), 0126230
• Micro-CT study of the vertebrate embryo: Metscher et al. (2011), Cold Spring Harb. Protoc., 2011(12), 067033

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• "Let's Talk X‑ray Imaging" blog article - How to Improve X‑ray Contrast for Organic Samples