Structural and Compositional SOPs
ex-vivo nano-Computed Tomography
These protocols are designed for a GE phoenix nanotom® s system and are in the process of being updated for the newer GE phoenix nanotom® m system. If you have a different nano-CT system, you will need to adjust the protocol accordingly.
Small animal ex vivo specimen scanning protocols
Human ex vivo specimen scanning protocols
ex-vivo micro-Computed Tomography
These protocols are designed for a GE eXplore Locus SP ex vivo preclinical specimen scanner. If you have a different micro-CT system, you will need to adjust the protocol accordingly.
Raman Microscope
The custom-built Raman microscope features a 785-nm laser and motorized stage, enabling non-destructive, non-invasive, and label-free analysis in point acquisition mode. It can accommodate fresh or dehydrated sections of soft and hard tissues, with polymer-embedding preferred for hard tissues. Hard tissues, whether fresh or polymer-embedded, should be relatively flat and under 2-cm thick to fit on the microscope stage. Additionally, reference compounds, biofluids, and other materials can be analyzed on fused-quartz or alumina-coated slides. Refer to the Raman microscope SOP in the Raman Resource section (below) for safety and operational instructions.
General instrument specifications are outlined below:
Spectral range: 317 to 1907 cm⁻¹ (fingerprint region for molecular identification)
Excitation source: 785-nm laser (ideal for biological samples)
Spectrograph slit width: 25 µm (± 2 cm-1 spectral resolution)
Detector: Back-illuminated CCD camera (Andor Technologies)
Objectives: 10x0.50 NA is the default (20x0.75 NA option is available)
Spatial resolution: 3-5 µm (permits spatial sampling)
Raman Fiber-Probe
The MultiRxn immersion fiberoptic probe from Endress+Hauser features a focus-free design and is constructed from stainless steel with a sapphire window. It requires direct contact with the sample to collect spectra with good signal-to-noise ratios. Samples can be positioned on a manual XY-stage for spectral collection in point acquisition mode. The probe is suitable for non-embedded samples with large surface areas, such as ex vivo human bone tissues and rodent dermal tissue biopsies. It allows real-time in vitro analysis of samples, such as biopsies and biomaterials, in water or buffer. Additionally, we have a custom-made tilted support that allows for the sampling of curved bone surfaces, such as the plates and suture regions of intact whole rodent calvariae. Refer to the Raman fiber-probe SOP in the Raman Resource section (below) for safety and operational instructions.
General instrument specifications are outlined below:
Spectral range: 194 to 1930 cm⁻¹ (fingerprint region)
Excitation source: 785-nm laser (ideal for biological samples)
Spectrograph slit width: 50 µm (± 4 cm-1 spectral resolution)
Detector: Back-illuminated CCD camera (Andor Technologies)
Spatial resolution: ~100 µm (permits bulk or spatial sampling)
Raman Resources
This section, offer resources to those using our Raman instruments and provides guidance for individuals interested in exploring their use. We provide laboratory SOPs for our Raman instruments and protocol updates to promote best practices in sample preparation and analysis. Occasionally, we showcase Raman application notes that explore emerging uses in the musculoskeletal and biomaterials research fields.