Compositions and methods for clearing tissue

Abstract

Investigation of fine tissue structures, such as those in non-neural, non-osseous tissues or organs, is best performed in intact tissue. Described herein are compositions and methods for clearing tissues for subsequent three-dimensional analysis. The compositions referred to herein as tissue clearing compositions are composed of four core components: (1) a homogenizing agent such as N-methylglucamine, urea, thiourea, guanidine, guanidinium chloride, lithium perchlorate, ethylenediamine, and derivatives thereof; (2) a water-soluble adjusting agent such as iohexol, sodium thiosulfate, polyethylene glycol, and derivatives thereof; (3) a lipid-soluble adjusting agent such as 2,2′-thiodiethanol, propylene glycol, and derivatives thereof; and (4) a borate compound such as boric acid, tetraboric acid, disodium tetraborate, and derivatives thereof. The disclosed tissue clearing compositions are particularly suitable for use with non-neural, non-osseous tissues or organs. The tissues or organs can be fresh, archived, or retrieved from paraffin wax-embedded tissues.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.