A new microbiopsy system enables rapid preparation of tissue for high-pressure freezing

Methods Mol Biol. 2006:319:463-77. doi: 10.1007/978-1-59259-993-6_21.

Abstract

A microbiopsy system was developed to overcome long sampling times for tissues before they are cryo-fixed by high-pressure freezing. A commercially available biopsy gun was adapted to the needs of small-organ excisions, and biopsy needles were modified to allow small samples (0.6 mm x 1.2 mm x 0.3 mm) to be taken. Specimen platelets with a central slot of the same dimensions as the biopsy are used. A self-made transfer device (in the meantime optimized by Leica-Microsystems [Vienna, Austria]) coordinates the transfer of the excised sample from the biopsy needle into the platelet slot and the subsequent loading in a specimen holder, which is then introduced into a high-pressure freezer (Leica EM PACT; Leica Microsystems, Vienna, Austria). Thirty seconds preparation time is needed from excision until high-pressure freezing. Brain, liver, kidney and muscle excisions of anesthetised rats are shown to be well frozen.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biopsy* / instrumentation
  • Biopsy* / methods
  • Brain / ultrastructure
  • Freeze Substitution* / instrumentation
  • Freeze Substitution* / methods
  • Freezing*
  • Kidney / ultrastructure
  • Liver / ultrastructure
  • Mice
  • Muscle, Skeletal / ultrastructure
  • Pressure*
  • Rats