Chemical dehydration-induced ultrafast clearing method for human tissues

Three-dimensional (3D) visualization and analysis of histological features in human tissue can enhance our comprehension of organ function and elevate the precision of clinical diagnosis. Tissue optical clearing technique has emerged as a potent approach for achieving 3D imaging of large human tissues at a cellular resolution. However, the utilization of tissue clearing to obtain 3D structures of human tissue is hindered by prolonged incubation periods and intricate procedural steps. To address these issues, a rapid and straightforward clearing protocol termed single-step dehydration solvent-based clearing (SSD) is proposed by the introduction of trimethyl borate, which is innovatively incorporated into the tissue clearing process to expedite incubation and streamline the clearing procedure via chemical dehydration. This method reduces the clearing time by 70% and exhibits ideal compatibility with a variety of probes. SSD allows 3D histological imaging and analysis of nerves and vessels, as well as 3D pathological assessment of tumors, within human organs. As an ultrafast clearing alternative, SSD promises to facilitate histological research and enhance clinical diagnostic capabilities.