In a breakthrough that could redefine the boundaries of biological imaging, researchers have developed a novel hydrogel formulation that significantly enhances the versatility of expansion microscopy (ExM). This advancement, led by Murilo Izidoro Santos from the Microstructure-based Material Design group at the Institute of Physics, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg in Germany, opens new avenues for high-fidelity imaging across diverse solvent environments.
Expansion microscopy is a cutting-edge technique that enables super-resolution visualization of biological structures using standard light microscopes. Traditionally, this method relies on hydrogels composed of acrylamide (AA) and sodium acrylate (SA). However, these gels often fall short when it comes to compatibility with organic solvents, limiting their applicability in complex labeling workflows.
The study, published in *Materials Today Advances* (which translates to *Advanced Materials Today*), introduces a hydrogel formulation based solely on dimethylacrylamide (DMAA). This innovation omits the need for AA and SA, resulting in superior mechanical properties and compatibility with a range of solvents, including ethanol, isopropanol, and acetone.
“Our DMAA-based gel system achieves tunable linear expansion factors, preserving structural integrity and enabling high-fidelity imaging in various solvent environments,” Santos explained. This breakthrough was demonstrated using eosin-stained tropoelastin fibers as a model, achieving expansion factors of 2.0 ± 0.1-fold in water and ethanol, 1.9 ± 0.1-fold in isopropanol, and 1.6 ± 0.1-fold in acetone.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. High-fidelity imaging of biological samples in diverse solvent environments can enhance the understanding of biofouling, corrosion, and material degradation in energy infrastructure. This knowledge is crucial for developing more robust and efficient energy systems.
Furthermore, the study validated the protocol using dense murine aortic tissue, achieving a 2.0-fold expansion. This expansion successfully resolved fine architectural details that were previously unresolvable in the native tissue at the same magnification. “By expanding ethanol-based eosin-stained samples, we observed improved imaging contrast compared to the aqueous protocol,” Santos noted.
This advancement broadens the applicability of ExM, opening new possibilities for integrating it with complex labeling workflows requiring organic solvents. It also paves the way for future correlative microscopy studies across multiple imaging platforms, potentially revolutionizing fields such as materials science, biology, and energy research.
As the energy sector continues to evolve, the need for advanced imaging techniques that can withstand diverse chemical environments becomes increasingly critical. The DMAA-based gel system developed by Santos and his team represents a significant step forward, offering a versatile tool for scientists and engineers alike.
In the words of Santos, “This research not only enhances our imaging capabilities but also bridges the gap between biological and materials science, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation.” The future of expansion microscopy looks brighter than ever, with this novel hydrogel formulation leading the way.