Solution-free and simplified H&E staining using a hydrogel-based stamping technology

• DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1292785
• Publication Date: 2023-11-11T22:27:57Z
• Authors: Jinho Kim; Woongsun Choi; Dahyeon Yoo; Mijin Kim; Haeyon Cho; Hyun-Jung Sung; Gyuheon Choi; Jisu Uh; Jinseong Kim; Heounjeong Go; Kyung-Hak Choi
• Keywords: Agarose; Stamping

Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining has been widely used as a fundamental essential tool for diagnosing diseases understanding biological phenomena by observing cellular arrangements tissue morphological changes. However, conventional methods commonly involve solution-based, complex, multistep processes that are susceptible to user-handling errors. Moreover, inconsistent results owing artifacts pose real challenges accurate diagnosis. This study introduces solution-free H&E method based on agarose hydrogel patches is expected represent valuable overcome the limitations of solution-based approach. Using two gel-based containing hematoxylin dyes, can be performed through serial stamping processes, minimizing color variation from handling allows easy adjustments controlling time, effectively addressing variations in caused various artifacts, such processing thickness. approach eliminates need water, making it applicable even environmentally limited middle- low-income countries, while still achieving quality equivalent method. In summary, this hydrogel-based researchers medical professionals resource-limited settings powerful diagnose understand phenomena.