A vibratome instrument for serial histology of fresh tissue using multiple microscopy techniques to study the bio-distribution of optical molecular markers

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Serial histology and the development of automatic tools to obtain large tissue section datasets is becoming essential to help bridge spatial scales between imaging cellular composition and morphology at the micrometer scale with microscopy and whole organ imaging performed in vivo from millimeter to centimeter scales. We will develop an imaging platform for rapid characterization of fresh tissue samples and whole organs based on the fabrication of a high-precision custom vibratome that will be seamlessly synchronized and integrated with a microscope allowing volumetric tissue characterization using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and two-photon microscopy (2Ph). Funds are requested here to purchase a femtosecond Mai Tai laser that will allow the integration of 2Ph microscopy to the system. This technology is expected to generate tremendously productive collaborations amongst the applicants and with members of the local network of researchers interested in various questions of health and disease. The research projects that will be supported by this application include (but are not limited to): (i) neural myelin fiber tracking for brain studies, (ii) the development of new methods to guide the resection of brain as well as mouth & throat tumors through the detection of fluorescent biological markers, (iii) the development of biomaterials for cartilage and meniscus repair. The proposed instruments will have an immediate impact on our research programs allowing us, in collaboration with our biologist and clinician colleagues, to address pressing questions with an unprecedented level of precision using a wide array of biomarkers.