Computational approach enables 'stainless' staining for optical imaging

May 14, 2015
Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed a new approach to histology based on using infrared (IR) microspectroscopy.

Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed a new approach to histology based on using infrared (IR) microspectroscopy. Instead of using stains, the spectra measure the chemical constitution of cells and tissues directly.

Related: Computational microscopy approach can 'paint' tissue samples with light

By using computational techniques, the researchers—led by Rohit Bhargava, a professor in the university's Bioimaging Science and Technology Group—were able to relate spectral properties to known staining patterns of tissue. The outcome is that that molecular stains can be reproduced without staining the tissue, but by using the intrinsic molecular contrast of the tissue and computation. That means any sample can be stained for desired stains without material cost, time, or effort while leaving precious tissue pristine for downstream analyses.

Two regions are selected to show an overlayer of molecular staining (left, cytokeratin; right, Masson's trichrome). All three stains are computationally generated using chemical imaging data obtained via IR spectroscopic imaging and without actually staining the tissue. (Image credit: Rohit Bhargava, Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)

Another use of the approach can be in the analysis of small amounts of samples—for example, from a thin needle biopsy. In cases where materials are limited or there may be a need to closely correlate multiple expressed molecules, it may not be possible to obtain multiple samples from the same biopsy for multiple stains. The method developed in this study could be a solution, allowing the user to simply "dial-in" a required stain. The study is timely, as it builds on the emergence of chemical imaging and maturation of computation from the sciences/engineering side and the drive to greater molecular content from the biomedical/clinical side. The development of this approach promises to have immediate and long-term impact in changing pathology to a multiplexed molecular science—in both research and clinical practice.

Full details of the work appear in the journal Technology; for more information, please visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1142/S2339547815200010.

-----

Follow us on Twitter, 'like' us on Facebook, connect with us on Google+, and join our group on LinkedIn

About the Author

BioOptics World Editors

We edited the content of this article, which was contributed by outside sources, to fit our style and substance requirements. (Editor’s Note: BioOptics World has folded as a brand and is now part of Laser Focus World, effective in 2022.)

Sponsored Recommendations

Linear voice coil motors offer peak force of 2.20 N

Nov. 24, 2023
The LVCM-013-032-02M and LVCM-013-032-02 are 12.7 mm diameter linear voice coil motors.

Image sensor has use in home and professional security

Nov. 23, 2023
The OS08C10 image sensor features both staggered high dynamic range (HDR) and single exposure dual analog gain (DAG).

Image sensor has use in home and professional security

Nov. 23, 2023
The OS08C10 image sensor features both staggered high dynamic range (HDR) and single exposure dual analog gain (DAG).

Dirac-vortex topological lasers meet silicon

Nov. 23, 2023
The Dirac-vortex state, a mathematical analog of Majorana fermions (a.k.a. angel particles) within superconducting electronic systems, offers a larger free spectral range than...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Laser Focus World, create an account today!