Smart carrier baskets and basket arrays and methods of making and using the same
AssigneeTrustees of Tufts College
InventorsDavid L. Kaplan, Rachael N. Parker
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Compositions and methods for improved histological analysis of organoids are disclosed. The compositions and methods include silk-elastin-like polymers have temperature-induced shape change properties.
Claims20
An embedded organoid for improved histological sample preparation comprising:
- an organoid embedded within a hydrogel matrix, the hydrogel matrix having a chemical composition consisting essentially of one or more silk-elastin-like polymers (SELPs), water, and an optional bulking agent, wherein the hydrogel matrix has undergone a temperature-induced shape change,
- wherein subjecting the embedded organoid to histological sample preparation involving sectioning the embedded organoid results in a histological sample with reduced organoid damage when compared to a comparison histological sample prepared by subjecting a non-embedded organoid to the histological sample preparation involving sectioning the non-embedded organoid.
A hydrogel matrix for receiving an organoid for histological sampling, the hydrogel matrix having a chemical composition and a pre-shape-change physical configuration, the chemical composition consisting essentially of one or more silk-elastin-like polymers (SELPs), water, and an optional bulking agent, wherein the pre-shape-change physical configuration includes a receiving area adapted to receive the organoid, wherein the chemical composition is adapted to provide a temperature-induced shape change, wherein the pre-shape-change physical configuration and the temperature-induced shape change are adapted together to encapsulate the organoid upon placement of the organoid at the receiving area and exposure of the hydrogel matrix to a predetermined temperature for a predetermined length of time.
A method comprising:
- a) placing an organoid in a SELP hydrogel matrix;
- b) applying heat to induce a conformational change;
- and
- c) sectioning the embedded organoid to produce a histological sample.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.