Acquisition of a laser microtomy system for hard tissue histology - The goal of this project is to extend and enhance the capabilities of multiple NIH funded researchers in the histologic preparation of undecalcified, plastic-embedded tissue samples. We are requesting support to purchase TissueSurgeon, to our knowledge the only commercially available laser microtomy system for preparation of histology slides from tissues containing mineralized extracellular matrix such as bone and teeth without decalcification. This will be the second installation of a laser microtomy system at an academic center in North America. The equipment performs non-contact sectioning of plastic embedded hard tissues. Samples up to 40 mm in width can be processed to produce sections as thin as 10 µm. The method is suitable for preparing samples for histology, dynamic histomorphometry, immunohistochemistry and other applications such as Raman imaging, Fourier-transform infrared imaging, backscatter scanning electron microscopy and nanoindentation. Laser microtomy avoids limitations of current methods, including the frequent presence of artifacts and very slow throughput. Thus, the instrument will enhance the health-related goals of the initial user groups which focus on bone growth and regeneration, bone diseases and remodeling, osteoarthritis, tissue engineering and dental reconstruction. Taking advantage of the Rush MicroCT/Histology Core, where the instrument will be housed, there is a strong administrative plan through which the research potential of the 7 major users with 18 NIH-funded projects and the 10 minor users with 11 NIH- funded projects will be facilitated and enhanced. Most of the users are from Rush, but we also have users from 5 nearby institutions including the University of Illinois at Chicago, Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, Loyola University-Chicago and Marquette University. The users’ funding comes from 6 NIH Institutes. Several of the users have grants with significant training components, meaning that the research capabilities at the users’ home institutions as well as in the field of skeletal biology in general will be enhanced. We have two prominent experts in hard tissue histology who will serve as consultants. The Advisory Committee includes Rush and external users. Extensive institutional support is being provided by Rush University Medical Center. The approaches made possible by this new instrument will significantly increase the effectiveness and extend the work of multiple NIH-funded investigators.
