Coplanar embedding of multiple 3D cell models in hydrogel towards high‑throughput micro‑histology
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Author
Heub, Sarah
Navaee, Fatemeh
Migliozzi, Daniel
Ledroit, Diane
Boder-Pasche, Stéphanie
Goldowsky, Jonas
Vuille-dit-Bille, Emilie
Hofer, Joëlle
Gaiser, Carine
Revol, Vincent
Abstract
Standardised and high-throughput methods have been developed for the production and
experimental handling of some 3D in vitro models. However, adapted analytical tools are still missing
for scientists and researchers to fully exploit the potential of complex cellular models in pre-clinical
drug testing and precision medicine. Histology is the established, cost-effective and gold standard
method for structural and functional tissue analysis. However, standard histological processes are
challenging and costly to apply to 3D cell models, as their small size often leads to poor alignment of
samples, which lowers analysis throughput. This body of work proposes a new approach: HistoBrick
facilitates histological processing of spheroids and organoids by enabling gel embedding of 3D cell
models with precise coplanar alignment, parallel to the sectioning plane, thus minimising the loss
of sample material. HistoBrick’s features are compatible with automation standards, potentially
allowing automated sample transfer from a multi-well plate to the gel device. Moreover, HistoBrick’s
technology was validated by demonstrating the alignment of HepG2 cultured spheroids measuring
150–200 μm in diameter with a height precision of ± 80 μm. HistoBrick allows up to 96 samples to be
studied across minimal sections, paving the way towards high-throughput micro-histology.
Publication Reference
Scientific Reports, volume 12, Article number: 9991 (2022)
Year
2022