Evaluation of the Microanatomy of the Liver via a Rapid Sample Preparation Protocol and a Table-Top Scanning Electron Microscope

Abstract

In this paper an alternative preparation and imaging method is presented that allows investigation of the fine structure of hepatic tissue within one hour after the initial fixation step. This approach involves, besides traditional fixation with glutaraldehyde, chemical drying and subsequent investigation of the samples with the new generation of user-friendly desktop scanning electron microscopes. The data presented herein reveal comparative preservation of liver ultrastructure to those that are prepared using classical sample preparation protocols. This low-cost approach permits the swift study of liver tissue subjected to various testing conditions and hence bridges the time gap between experiment and subsequent ultrastructural observation at the nanoscale.