Method for Cryopreparing Biological Tissue

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to apparatus and methods for preparing biological tissue samples for ultrastructural analysis, storage or medical use, i.e. transplantation, by avoiding significant modification of the ultrastructure of tissue during preparation of the samples themselves. It is well known in the medical arts that to examine tissue samples, and determine the cellular structure and function thereof, the tissue must be "fixed" prior to the application of nearly all analytical methodologies.

Although the phrase "tissue samples" (the term "tissue" is also used interchangeably) is used throughout this disclosure, the term should be understood to include any material composed of one or more cells, either individual or in complex with any matrix or in association with any chemical. The definition shall include any biological or organic material and any cellular subportion, product or by-product thereof. The definition of tissue samples should be understood to include without limitation sperm, eggs, embryos and blood components. The contemplated utility of the apparatus of this invention is not limited to specific types or sizes of tissue. The apparatus of this invention can be designed or adapted to any size, shape or type of cellular tissue. Therefore, the terms "tissue" and "tissue samples" are used interchangeably and are not limiting on the uses to which the method of this invention can be placed.

Although the examination of tissue by use of various microscopes or related magnifying apparatus has been practiced for many years, there has been an inherent problem in preparing tissue for use with contemporary high resolution analytical microscopes, such as the STEM electron microscopes, which permit the examination of sample constituents via X-ray analysis at powers of from 500.times. to 500,000.times. with point to point resolution of 2 to 3 Angstrom units.

Specifically, it is difficult to interpret the results of tissue analysis while concomitantly assessing the extent of various artifacts produced during the tissue preparation processes. It is thus essential that artifacts be avoided wherever possible. The term "artifact" refers to a product of artificial character due to extraneous agency. Another problem results from physical shrinkage of the tissue sample itself when subjected to the extreme procedures extant in current dogma. In most currently used tissue preparation steps, tissue shrinkage is in the order of 40% to 50%. This shrinkage inevitably results in alteration of ultrastructure and massive rearrangement of infrastructural resolution. The net result of this is ultrastructural translation damage and inaccurate detail in descriptions via existing analytical procedures.

During the so-called "Golden Age of Morphology" the predominant underlying goal in qualitative and quantitative microscopy has been an aesthetically pleasing image. This goal is readily attainable with the fixation methods and apparatus which are currently available. However, it has become essential that the aesthetically pleasing image, which is produced by the preparation process, also yield a tissue sample which accurately reflects the true condition of tissue in the living organism, i.e., approaching the "living state." This is the problem which the apparatus of this invention addresses and solves. Magnification apparatus which are currently available for analytical use are technically more advanced than are current tissue preparation techniques which have been previously employed. The method of this invention results in the preparation of tissue samples which are readily usable on known magnification and analytical apparatus.

Although the primary thrust of this application is in the preparation of tissue samples for analysis by current magnification apparatus, the invention is not intended to be so limited. More specifically, the "preparation" of tissue should be understood to refer to preparation of tissue for analysis as well as the cryofixation of tissue in anticipation of transplantation, modification, in vitro or in vivo cellular growth, fertilization, animated suspension or the more typical resin impregnation, setting, infiltration and analysis. The method of this invention can be used to prepare tissue for any medical or analytical procedure without the substantial ultrastructural damage previously thought to be inevitable in cryopreparation. For purposes of this application it should be understood that certain changes to cell morphology may occur upon application of cryoprotectants. The changes that occur are not considered substantial and are acceptable for the defined end use of the tissue.

The apparatus used in the practice of this invention is to be distinguished from contemporary freeze-drying apparatus. Freeze-drying is a technique which is well known in the art together with the equipment necessary to implement such freeze drying. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,232,453. Although in certain freeze-drying techniques liquid nitrogen is used as a cooling medium, the tissue or sample itself does not attain such temperature.

The vacuum levels disclosed and used in the apparatus used in the practice of this invention cannot be achieved safely with prior art freeze drying equipment. Typical of previous methods for drawing vacuums in freeze drying methods and apparatus is the above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 4,232,453 which discloses the use of molecular sieves in glass containers. Molecular sieves in easily compromised containers cannot be used safely to create and maintain the required vacuum levels to achieve the partial pressures required for sublimation of water at the anticipated temperatures (-120.degree. C. or below) created by the apparatus of the disclosed invention.

In ultra-rapid cooling apparatus and methods such as disclosed in copending commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 102,395 filed Sept. 29, 1987 entitled "Cryo-Slamming Apparatus and Method for Ultrarapid Cooling of Biological Samples" there is a gradient effect in the formation of ice crystals in samples more than a few microns in thickness. The ice will range from amorphous at the leading edge to hexagonal in the interior of the tissue. Accordingly, while that apparatus and method have proven to be extremely valuable for small samples, their usefulness is limited by the size of the samples.

2. The Prior Art

The most common prior art method for preparation of tissue samples for analysis is by means of chemical fixation and organic solvent dehydration. Inherent in prior art processes is the concomitant artifact creation, sample shrinkage and resultant damage to and modification of tissue characteristics. These tissue characteristic modifications, whether in the form of artifacts or the like, require interpretation by the individual or apparatus analyzing or evaluating the sample. This introduces, in many instances, an unsatisfactory risk of error.

Chemical fixation is a well known technique and has served the analytical biologist well for many years and undoubtedly will continue to do so in certain limited applications. However, as the use of tissue sample analysis becomes more complex and the use of such analysis becomes more widespread, alternatives to chemical fixation are demanded. This is especially true as advances are being made in the magnification and analytical resolution of apparatus which are available. It is necessary that tissue preparation methods and the apparatus necessary to prepare tissue samples be equally advanced as the analytical tools, i.e., electron microscopes, which are being used to analyze the samples. Obviously, if the technology for tissue sample preparation is behind the technology of microscopy then the advanced microscopes cannot be used to full advantage.

Similarly, it is essential that cryopreparation methods and apparatus develop concurrently with other medical technology, i.e., surgical transplant techniques, bio-engineering and biogenetics. In short, cryopreparation is an essential intermediate step in evolving processes using or analyzing cells or tissue. If cryopreparation apparatus does not evolve then the thrust of medical technology into unexplained and unexplored medical arts will be blunted. The method of this invention represents a cryopreparation breakthrough that will permit research into the use and preparation of biological tissue to keep pace with other advances in medical technology.

The most common alternative to chemical fixation and organic solvent dehydration is freeze drying cryofixed samples. Freeze-drying following cryofixation is a well documented and well known technique for tissue preservation. It has several advantages. Cryofixation results in a near-instantaneous arrest of cellular metabolism. Freeze drying results in a stabilization and retention of soluble cell constituents through elimination of solvent contact with the sample. These are significant advantages to cryofixation freeze-drying that have resulted in a great deal of research in attempting to apply cryofixation and freeze-drying techniques to known tissue preparation processes.

Unfortunately, freeze-drying technology inherently possesses a number of disadvantages relevant to tissue preparation methodologies. The primary disadvantage in currently available freeze-drying techniques and apparatus is the inherent formation of ice crystals. As can be readily appreciated, the formation of ice crystals destroys the ultrastructural integrity of the tissue sample being reviewed. The image is distorted and the cytoplasm becomes reticulated. The formation of ice crystals in the sample can also result in a change in pH within microcompartments of the tissue (eutectic formation) which possibly can result in abnormal tertiary conformation of macromolecules. There is also the possibility that proteins will denature and precipitate. These are but a few of the disadvantages which are inherent in the freeze-drying process.

This general topic is discussed in some detail together with other prior art methods in an article entitled Freezing and Drying of Biological Tissues for Electron Microscopy, Louis Terracio and Karl G. Schwabe, published in The Journal of Histochemistry and Cytochemistry, Volume 29, No. 9 at pp. 1021-1028 (1981). Problems associated with artifact formation are described in Understanding the Artefact Problem in Freeze-Fracture Replication: A Review, The Royal Microscopial Society, (1982) at pp. 103-123.

A general principle found applicable to cryofixation techniques, which has demonstrated utility in the preparation of tissue samples, is that as the cooling rate increases, tissue fluids can be vitrified. It has been postulated that regardless of the rate of cooling, ice crystals may still be formed, but as the cooling rates increase the size of the intracellular ice crystals decreases. The small size or absence of ice crystals at high freeze rates is of course a substantial advantage in morphology retention as this results in minimal artifact creation and minimal ultrastructural damage during tissue dehydration. The method of this invention requires the cooling of tissue samples to the vitreous phase followed by dehydration of the tissue sample while in the state of reduced partial pressure of water vapor, all without substantial ultrastructural damage to the tissue cells.

For purposes of this application, the term "vitreous" or "vitrification" or "vitreous phase" should be understood to refer to the physical condition of tissue upon cooling at a rate and under conditions in which resolvable ice crystals are not present and/or are not being nucleated at a rate which will result in the formation of resolvable ice crystals.

Historically, the criteria by which the techniques for supercooling have been judged was not the cooling rate of the system but simply the temperature of the environment in which the tissue was frozen. Thus, the term rapid supercooling has been applied to any system in which the supercooling agent has a temperature of -150.degree. C. or below. The effectiveness of a cooling system is dependent upon the rate at which heat is removed from the sample. Heat transfer is dependent not only on the temperature of the freezing system but also on its physical and thermal characteristics, as well as the size, pretreatment and thermal characteristics of the tissue.

The most commonly used technique for rapid supercooling is to immerse or "quench" the sample in a fluid cooling bath. The most commonly used fluids for quenching are liquid nitrogen, isopentane, propane and fluorocarbons such as Freon 12 and Freon 22. Although liquid nitrogen is generally regarded as an ideal quenching fluid due to its low temperature (-196.degree. C.), there are inherent disadvantage in the use of liquid nitrogen due to the occurrence of tissue surface film boiling caused at least in part by the low heat of vaporization of liquid nitrogen. Film boiling is a characteristic of liquid nitrogen that inhibits the heat transfer rates by actually insulating the sample.

An alternate prior method for rapid supercooling is freezing on the polished surface of a chilled metal block. This typically involves opposing the tissue sample to a polished flat metal surface by pressing it firmly against the surface of the metal. Silver and copper are typically used as the polished metal blocks. This method is designed to take advantage of the high thermal conductivities and heat capacities of these metals when cooled to liquid nitrogen or liquid helium temperatures. The critical step in chilling on the surface of a metal is making firm contact with the dry, chilled metal surface with no rotational, translational or rebounding motion. Certain commercially available apparatus having known utility in the medical arts address and provide "bounce-free" freezing. Credit for the development of this apparatus is generally accorded to Dr. Alan Boyne of the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

There has recently been verification that there is a direct correlation between cooling rate and ultrastructural preservation of pure samples in quenching fluids. As the cooling rate increases over the range of 100.degree. C. to 4100.degree. C. per second (liquid nitrogen-propane), there is a corresponding decrease in the size of ice crystals formed and thus an improvement in morphological preservation.

The critical steps in the subsequent tissue preparation process are invariably stimulated sublimation-dehydration of the supercooled tissue fluids, which have recently been described as a stimulated "molecular distillation" process. Once the appropriate supercooling method has been chosen and implemented, it is sometimes necessary to further process the tissue for microscopic evaluation, since electron microscopes or other magnification apparatus that allow the viewing of frozen hydrated specimens are not readily available. Thus, dehydration is an essential step in the preparation of biological tissue samples for storage and a step which oftentimes results in the destruction via reticulation of the infrastructure and ultrastructure of the tissue. Tissue cell destruction from dehydration not only impairs analysis by magnification apparatus but also adversely affects the functional characteristics and viability of tissue masses being used, i.e. transplanted.

In certain prior drying techniques, the tissue sample had not been entirely solidified due to eutectic formation as the cellular fluid solutes were concentrated in bound water compartments. This transfer of solute occurs while the materials are in the fluid state when slow cooling is employed. When rapid cooling techniques are used, unique procedures, which are distinct from those characteristic of freeze-drying, must be employed in the dehydration step. Problems result from the fact that dehydration must take place (the water must be removed) in the solid rather than the liquid state, i.e., via sublimation.

In the prior art, the freeze substitution approach has involved the removal of tissue water by substituting a solvent or solvent-fixative mixture for the solid phase water at -50.degree. to -80.degree. C. This introduces less severe solvent phase separation and chemical alteration artifacts to a tissue sample than past routine chemical fixation methodologies. From a practical standpoint freeze-drying is complicated by the requirement that the tissue sample be warmed to increase the vapor pressure of the supercooled water and allow sublimation to proceed in a reasonable period of time. The increased temperature, in addition to increasing vapor pressure can produce a series of physical events leading to the expansion of ice crystals and concomitant damage to the ultrastructural morphology of the tissue sample. Many of the physical events which occur during the warming process have to do with transitions in the physical state of the water which is present. Changes which are typically encountered are glass transition, devitrification and crystallization with an ensuing series of crystal lattice configurations.

An alternate procedure which has been used successfully is stimulated molecular distillation. Stimulated molecular distillation refers to a process in which the amount of energy in the antibonding orbitals of surface molecules is elevated, enabling them to escape to the gas phase and not be recaptured by the solid phase.

Thus it can be appreciated that freeze-drying technology and cryopreparation techniques present an exceptional opportunity for the preparation of tissue samples for morphological examination. However, inherent in the use of freeze-drying techniques are problems associated with dehydration and fixation of samples. Supercooling processes followed by molecular distillation have resulted in major improvements over freeze-drying techniques. However, these processes require fairly long drying times and the thickness of the vitreous phase of water is limited. These are some of the problems which are addressed by the process and apparatus of this invention.

One advantage of this invention is the ability to cryoprepare tissue without overt disruption or destruction of the morphological characteristics of the ultrastructure of tissue cells. This invention permits the cryopreparation of tissue by dehydrating tissue maintained in the solid, vitreous phase without creating unnecessary artifacts which restrict interpretation by conventional analytical apparatus and renders these suitable for transplantation.

FIG. 1 is a schematic flow diagram of the method of this invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of the apparatus used in practicing this invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded schematic drawing of the portion of the apparatus of FIG. 2 connecting the vacuum means to the sample chamber.

FIG. 4 is an exploded schematic drawing of the sample chamber and sample holder of the apparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the sample holder of the apparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the tissue reservoir cover used in the sample holder of the apparatus of FIG. 2.

This invention relates to a method for the cryopreparation of biological tissue samples. The tissue samples are treated with a cryoprotectant which raises the glass transition temperature range of the vitrified samples. This permits shorter drying times. With thicker samples, the cryoprotectant also permits vitrification to a greater depth when combined with conventional rapid cooling procedures than that achieved for noncryoprotected samples.

The drying apparatus used in practicing the method includes components for implementing the stimulated dehydration of biological tissue under severely depressurized conditions. The depressurized, vitrified tissue sample is brought to equilibrium at a temperature below its devitrification temperature. The tissue sample is then dehydrated while maintained in a state of nonequilibrium. After removal of tissue water, the tissue sample is optionally infiltrated with a degassed resin followed by a polymerization of the resin to form an embedded tissue sample if its ultrastructure is to be analyzed. In other applications of the method of this invention the dehydrated tissue sample can be used, i.e. transplanted, without any infiltration or degassing steps.

The drying apparatus includes a sample holder for retaining vitrified biological tissue. The sample holder and the vitrified tissue are maintained at cryogenic temperatures while the tissue sample is being dehydrated. Ultra-high vacuum means are used to depressurize the atmosphere of the sample holder to permit the desired equilibration and dehydration procedures.

The drying apparatus is used in combination with conventional apparatus to vitrify (cooling at a rate and under conditions such that resolvable ice crystals are not formed) biological tissue. The preferred vitrifying apparatus is a metal rod adapted to transform the tissue to the vitreous phase at a temperature of -123.degree. C. or below by ultrarapid cooling. Alternatively the sample can be pretreated with cryoprotective agents and subjected to slower cooling rates and higher final temperatures while again minimizing ice crystal formation. The vitrified tissue is inserted in a sample holder which is fittably received by a sample chamber which in turn can be inserted or withdrawn from a cryogenic bath.

The ultra high vacuum assembly used to depressurize the sample chamber provides a pressure of from 1.times.10.sup.-7 mbar to 1.times.10.sup.-10 mbar. The ultra-high vacuum assembly is removably attached to the sample chamber.

In practice, this invention is used to cryoprepare biological tissue for analysis, storage or other medical end use, i.e. transplantation. The invention is adaptable to an infinite variety of tissue shapes, sizes and configurations. The invention results in the cryopreparation of biological tissue resulting in a final product whose ultrastructure is substantially unmodified and which is ready for analysis and end uses which have been heretofore impossible in the medical arts.

In the practice of this invention it is a fundamental prerequisite that the desired tissue is obtained. Tissue samples are collected by a variety of means, i.e., surgical extraction, withdrawn blood samples, binders and any of a variety of other techniques which are well known and conventional. The particular method of obtaining the biological sample is not limiting on the method of this invention. However, the preparation of the tissue sample is enhanced if the tissue sample is processed as soon after excising as is possible.

The preparation of the tissue sample takes place immediately as it is received. The tissue sample cannot be retained in a fixative, i.e., formaldehyde, in an attempt to maintain the sample during shipping, storage or other necessary operations. It is also critical that the sample not be routinely frozen or otherwise physically modified prior to preparation according to the method of this invention. The sample may later be physically sectioned or otherwise physically prepared for long-term storage in apparatus or use with various currently available commercial analytical apparatus.

In one application of this invention a tissue sample is prepared for analysis. The preferred optimum biological sample for preparation in the apparatus of this invention is a fresh one cubic millimeter biopsy sample. This sample must be vitrified as soon as possible. By vitrifying or vitrification it is intended to make reference to a process which results in cryofixation of the sample which is different from "frozen." In the process of vitrifying, the cooling apparatus which is used renders the sample in the vitreous phase such that soluble and insoluble moities contained in the tissue sample are not disturbed, translated, or altered nor are they concentrated (as eutectics). By definition, a vitrified liquid will shatter when undergoing a shear stress, e.g., window glass. The vitreous phase involves the conversion of liquid water into a "glass" phase.

Prior to vitrification, the tissue sample can be treated with a cryoprotectant which raises the glass transition temperature range of the vitrified sample. By raising this range, the sample can be dried at a faster rate. The cryoprotectant also permits vitrification of thicker samples. With current methods of ultrarapid cooling, vitrification of the sample is only achieved to a depth of a few microns. Cubic and hexagonal ice are then encountered. By appropriately selecting the cryoprotectant and the cooling method, vitrification to a depth of several millimeters can be achieved.

Various cryoprotectants can be used in the present invention. These include: DMSO, dextran, sucrose, 1,2 propanediol, glycerol, sorbitol, fructose, trehalose, hydroxyethyl starch, propylene glycol, and polyvinylpyrolidine. Suitable cryoprotectants structure water which reduces the freezing point and/or reduces the rate of cooling necessary to achieve the vitreous phase. They also raise the glass transition temperature range of the vitreous state.

Some cryoprotectants also act as drying protectants. For example, trehalose and polyhydroxyl carbohydrates bind to and stabilize macromolecules such as proteins and DNA in the tissue sample when it is dried, thus protecting the integrity of the tissue sample.

The cryoprotectants can be applied to the tissue samples by various methods depending upon the tissue type. For example, with cell cultures, the cryoprotectant can be added to the medium for a period of a few minutes to a few hours before the cells are vitrified. Biopsied tissue can be soaked in a solution containing the cryoprotectant for an appropriate time prior to vitrification.

Vitrification can be achieved by several different methods depending on the tissue type and size, the cryoprotectant, and the end use of the tissue. Suitable methods include rapid supercooling, slow cooling, induction cooling and microwave enhanced cooling.

Vitrification is accomplished by a combination of cryoprotectant and cooling rate which both minimizes the concentration of cryoprotectant required and therefore its toxicity and also minimizes the rate of cooling required to achieve the vitreous phase to the greatest depth in the tissue sample.

In one preferred embodiment, vitrification is accomplished by rapidly supercooling the tissue sample by opposing it "bounce-free" onto the highly polished (mirror-like) condensate-free surface of a metal rod maintained at about -196.degree. C. These operations have been discussed previously in the prior art section of this disclosure. It is preferred that such rapid-supercooling be completed in less than one second.

Of particular utility in the process of this invention is a "bounce-free" freezing apparatus which has been identified in association with Dr. Alan Boyne of the University of Maryland School of Medicine. In this freezing apparatus, a copper block is used to vitrify the tissue sample. This vitrification in conjunction with a supercooled fluid such as liquid nitrogen, helium, propane or the various freons will cause the tissue sample fluids to supercool to the vitreous state before and/or without the formation of noticeable or resolvable cell water ice crystals. It is desirable in the preferred embodiment that the now vitrified tissue sample be maintained at a temperature less than the glass transition temperature of the sample and preferably greater than 20.degree. C. below the glass transition temperature during storage and transfer operations prior to removal of the tissue water.

Temperature control is essential to prevent ice crystallization. It is thought that ice crystallization begins to occur at about -123.degree. C. in untreated cells. This is, however, dependent on the chemical constituents of the cellular water. It should be understood that the desired result is to maintain the temperature below that at which ice begins to crystallize. Preferably, the temperature is maintained about 20.degree. C. below the glass transition temperature and most preferably about 50.degree. C. below the glass transition temperature.

Depending on the anticipated time lag between supercooling of the sample and dehydration of the sample, it may be stored submerged in a liquid nitrogen dewar. Once the sample has been dried and embedded properly it may be stored virtually indefinitely without cytoplasmic reticulation or other forms of cellular catabolism which will cause modifications and crystal lattice transitions resulting in undesirable artifacts which render the tissue uninterpretable as analytical data.

After vitrifying, and while maintaining the tissue sample at a temperature less than the glass transition temperature it is transferred via a specimen transport and fed to a specimen holder. The specimen holder (also commonly referred to as a sample holder) is maintained in a temperature controlled container. The container and specimen holder are both preferably maintained at temperatures below -140.degree. C. In the most preferred embodiment of this invention, liquid nitrogen temperatures of -196.degree. C. are maintained. The reason that 140.degree. C. is preferred is that pure water, existing in the vitreous phase when at liquid nitrogen temperatures, will begin to initiate cubic ice crystallization at -123.degree. C. As discussed in the prior art section of this disclosure, ice crystallization causes ultrastructural damage, i.e., reticulation to the morphology of tissue samples.

Next, the atmosphere surrounding the tissue sample, specimen holder and container is depressurized. This is typically done by drawing a vacuum on the sample holder with conventional mechanical vacuum apparatus. The vacuum is drawn to a level of 3.times.10.sup.-7 mbar in less than 300 minutes. In other embodiments of this invention, the vacuum which is drawn is from 1.times.10.sup.-7 mbar to 1.times.10.sup.-10 mbar accomplished in less than 300 minutes. These pressures remain at approximately 3.times.10.sup.-7 mbar throughout the remainder of the prescribed routine until all the tissue water has been removed. Throughout equilibration of the system, the specimen temperature is maintained by liquid nitrogen or other suitable cooling means while the vacuum is being drawn and maintained.

At this time the tissue sample is at ultra low pressure and exceptionally low equilibrium cryo-temperature. After equilibration is obtained, the vitreous water which is found in the tissue sample will begin to sublime as energy is intermittently and incrementally supplied to the drying front found in the tissue. This is a slow process but one which is critical to the preparation of the sample. It is an important requirement that the sample be permitted enough time to allow all water present in a particular energy state to be removed from the sample prior to attainment of a temperature at which the formation of the next more stable state occurs.

After the equilibration process, it would take an exceptional length of time for any appreciable amount of water to evaporate from the sample if no energy (heat) were added to the system. Estimates are in terms of years for the water to evaporate at temperatures and pressures which are associated with the method of this invention. Therefore, in the most preferred embodiment of this invention, a secondary energy source (heating) is added to excite the escaping water molecules without causing damage to the dry tissue sample. Radiant photon energy, having a particular wavelength, is thought to be an especially useful approach to accomplish this goal. Escape energy via microwave, laser systems and magnetic energy are also appropriate. The most preferred secondary source is the nuclear magnetic resonance or electron spin resonance approach in combination with the above. At equilibrium, the temperature of the tissue will not change unless the ambient parameters of the immediate environment (radiant energy predominates, i.e., room temperature is 27.degree. C.) change. This is the general identification of the end point of system equilibrium.

Subsequent to the tissue sample reaching equilibrium, it is necessary to remove the supercooled solid water and/or presently unresolvable ice crystals (20 nanometers diameter or less) which have formed in the tissue during the vitrification operation. This portion of the dehydration process is absolutely critical and is the step where most potential disruption and reticulation of the ultrastructure in the tissue will express itself. This is accomplished by gradually supplying to the sample minimal increments of stimulating energy per hour. The optimal condition is to have no tissue temperature increases. However, in practice the temperature is gradually raised through the glass transition range as the water is removed.

By so raising the thermal energy the solid water, whether micro-ice crystals or vitreous supercooled water, is effectively removed from the tissue sample by the surrounding cryosystem. Through use of an appropriate cryoprotectant, the glass transition temperature range of the sample is increased thus permitting higher drying temperatures and shorter drying times for the tissue samples.

With appropriate instrumentation, i.e. residual gas analyzers, it is possible to determine when all cell water has been removed. At that point, the energy increase can be accelerated to produce a final specimen temperature at room temperature. Thus, with this instrumentation a significant advantage in the process of this invention is obtained.

The now dehydrated tissue sample has been permitted to reach room temperature. Even though reaching room temperature the vacuum is maintained at the original exceptionally ultra-low levels as has the temperature surrounding the sample. Room temperature for purposes of this application should be understood to be approximately 24.degree. C.-27.degree. C. There may logically be variations in this temperature level.

A person of ordinary skill in the art can readily appreciate that control of temperature throughout the processes of vitrification, equilibration and dehydration are essential. The precise temperatures at which the tissue is maintained and the rate that the tissue temperature is changed are crucial although varied for different cellular structures and sample pretreatments with cryoprotective agents. A typical routine for a cell mass such as a cornea without cryoprotection would require the initial vitrification of the cornea tissue at -190.degree. C. or below. The sample is immediately heated to -150.degree. C. in approximately 4 hours. Following equilibration and during the dehydration and sublimation stages the tissue sample is heated from -150.degree. C. to -70.degree. C. in 60 hours (rate=1.333.degree. C/hr.). The drying process begins at approximately -140.degree. C. and is completed before devitrification at -80.degree. C. The sample is then heated from -70.degree. C. to +25.degree. C. in 4 hours. Generally the sample is heated to slightly above room temperature to prevent water condensation from invading the sample.

At this juncture, the investigator has the option of exposing the tissue to osmium vapors for approximately one hour to provide contrast enhancement via electron density. This may be omitted if proven to be deleterious to the moiety of interest or if the ultimate goal is clinical use. The osmium vapor is removed by recrystallization by cryoprecipitation. In other established fixation processes, paraformaldehyde and/or gluteraldehyde in buffer solution is used. These materials are typically referred to as chemical-fixative materials. The most preferred material which is typically added is osmium tetraoxide. This material will enhance the resolution and contrast of the various constituents of the tissue for the various analytical apparatus which might be used to interpret the tissue sample.

For samples prepared for analysis a degassed resin is then added to the tissue while still maintaining the depressurized condition. This is typically referred to as resin infiltration and results in an embedded tissue sample. Resins which have shown utility in past methods are equally applicable to the method of this invention. See for example U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,679,450; 4,100,158; 4,120,991 and 4,278,701.

Subsequent to these steps the tissue sample and resin are brought to atmospheric pressure by slowly admitting air through the resin port. The embedded tissue sample which has resulted from the resin application process is removed and the resin is polymerized at its prescribed temperature. The particular method of polymerization is largely dependent on the resin that is used. Typically, the tissue sample is polymerized by heat application in an oven for 12 hours. A normal temperature would be 60.degree. C., but may be as low as -80.degree. C. if necessary. It is essential that the polymerization step be accomplished without damage to the tissue ultra-structure.

Following polymerization the tissue sample can then be stored at room temperature, thin sectioned, stained or further prepared for other analysis. However, having been dehydrated in the fashion disclosed by this invention the sample is maintained in a cryofixed state which is readily interpretable by conventional ultramicrotomes and electron microscopes and provides the basis for exceptionally meaningful analysis of tissue samples with a significant alteration of and reduction of artifacts concomitantly reducing or eliminating past constraints thought to be ubiquitous in fixation and/or tissue preparation for visual analysis.

The actual relating of structure to function in these biological tissues is done by routine ultrathin sectioning with an enormous expansion of applicable staining methods heretofore deemed unapproachable via conventional electron microscopy, (i.e., immunological analysis of any soluble moieties, sugars, lipids and soluble proteins), enzyme cytochemistry, X-ray dispersive STEM analysis, tissue transplant preparations, microprobe analysis, autoradiography (especially of soluble compounds) and pharmaceutical preparations.

Alternatively the sample, cryoprotected or noncryoprotected can be dried without resin embedment but rather stored under inert conditions for later rehydration.

Other apparatus are available for the execution of this hierarchy, but none have produced the result expected as they do not incorporate in totality the required, defined parameters discussed earlier. The apparatus which is used in the practice of the method of this invention is illustrated schematically in FIGS. 2 through 6.

The rapid freezing attained by the apparatus of the Alan Boyne type is preferred to the practice of the process of this invention. Liquid nitrogen and other types of quenching baths in conjunction with chilled metal applications are used in the process of this invention to the extent they provide the vitrified phase of cell water in less than one second. A liquid nitrogen quenching bath is used to lower and maintain the temperature of the tissue sample which is included in the tissue holder. It should be noted that while the tissue sample is maintained in the liquid nitrogen condition, it is necessary that tubulation access the various staining and fixation materials which are optionally preferred in the process of this invention, as well as the various resins which are ultimately used to embed the tissue samples of this invention prior to polymerization. Again, each of these functions is illustrated schematically in the attached figures. However, it should be understood that these are not intended to be limiting features of this invention but merely illustrative of available technology.

In designing the apparatus or in selecting the apparatus for use in the method of this invention, it is necessary to understand the effects of the exceptionally low temperatures and pressures on various materials. For that reason, portions of the apparatus of this invention used to treat the material while in the vitrified state are typically made from stainless steel. Other materials may well be equally viable. Likewise, portions of the apparatus of this invention are made from or coated with Teflon.RTM., a Dupont manufactured material which consists in a major portion of tetrafluorans.

FIG. 2 illustrates schematically the apparatus of this invention. As shown in FIG. 2, the apparatus is broadly categorized into a control panel 10 and the remainder of the apparatus used to equilibrate, dehydrate and sublime the tissue. Microprocessor 11 of control panel 10 controls a turbomolecular pump 30. The control by microprocessor 11 is primarily of the revolutions per minute at which the components of the turbomolecular pump 30 are rotated and the temperature of the two main bearings in the turbo-molecular pump.

Digital vacuum gauge 12 of control panel 10 is connected to the apparatus in several places. In addition, the digital vacuum gauge 12 is attached to mechanical pumps to provide digital readings of both the low vacuum caused by the mechanical pumps and the ultra high vacuum caused by the turbomolecular pump.

The next component of control panel 10 is a residual gas analyzer 13. Residual gas analyzer 13 functions by reading the partial pressure of each gas in the sample chamber 90. Included in the analyzer 13 is a quadrapole mass spectrometer. This instrument can read the atomic weight of each gas present in the sample chamber 90. In addition, residual gas analyzer 13 is used to determine the water vapor levels in the chamber which can be used to determine the end point for dehydration.

Microprocessor 14 is the component of control panel 10 used to read and control the temperature of the tissue samples in sample holder 100 (see FIG. 4). Microprocessor 14 reads the temperature of the metal supporting the tissue sample in sample holder 100 and does not contact the sample itself. The programmable features of microprocessor 14 enable the implementation of a temperature control function as well as a temperature monitoring function.

Component 15 of control panel 10 is a chart recorder for microprocessor 14. Chart recorder 15 provides a graphic illustration of temperatures measured by microprocessor 14.

Mechanical pumps 20 (backing pump) and 21 (rough pump) are located in the control panel 10 as well as in conjunction with the main apparatus. Mechanical pump 20 is activated to draw the backing vacuum on the turbo molecular pump system. The initial vacuum is typically 1.times.10.sup.-3 mbar. The mechanical pump 20 is also connected to molecular sieve trap 22 to trap any hydrocarbons that may be going back to the turbomolecular pump 30 from the mechanical pump 20. It is essential that no hydrocarbons reach the turbomolecular pump 30. The mechanical pump 20 and the molecular sieve trap 22 are arranged in series so that no hydrocarbons can bypass molecular sieve trap 22.

Molecular sieve trap 22 is connected to turbomolecular pump 30 by T connection 23. Low vacuum gauge head 24 extends from T connection 23 and is connected to the digital vacuum gauge 12.

In the preferred embodiment of this apparatus a solenoid valve 25 is connected to T connection 23 at the point illustrated by FIG. 2. The solenoid valve is used for a backing line (not illustrated) for dry nitrogen gas being connected to the turbomolecular pump 30. In the event that the vacuum or ultra-high vacuum system malfunctions and stops, the chamber is filled with inert nitrogen gas instead of moisture and hydrocarbon-containing air.

Turbomolecular pump 30 is used to create the ultra high vacuum of 1.times.10.sup.-7 mbar to 1.times.10.sup.-10 mbar required to properly practice the process of this invention. The ultra high vacuum pump 30 can be any of a variety of commercially available vacuum pumping apparatus. The preferred embodiment is a turbomolecular pump and in particular a turbomolecular pump manufactured by Leybold-Heraeus (Model TMP-360). It is essential that the ultra high vacuum pump, whether it is a turbomolecular pump or not, yield a hydrocarbon free vacuum. As mentioned previously, the mechanical pump 20 is used to pump out gases which are transmitted through the ultra high vacuum pump 30 from sample chamber 90.

In the preferred embodiment of this invention a cooling fan 31 is used to cool the bearings of the turbomolecular pump or other ultra high vacuum pump 30. A heating bakeout jacket 32 heats the walls of the ultra high vacuum pump 30 while in operation to ensure that gases are desorbed from the inner surfaces of the ultra high vacuum pump. These gases and even liquids are converted from condensation on the inner surfaces of the turbomolecular pump to result in gases thus enhancing the vacuum created by the turbomolecular pump 30. Thermocouple 33 provides the connection to the energy source (not shown) for heating bakeout jacket 32.

Conflat flange 40 is used to seal the turbomolecular pump to a first spool 50. Conflat is a trademark of Varian Industries, Inc. and describes a brand of flange. The type of flange associated with "Conflat" is well known to those skilled in the art and can generally be described as a first surface having a knife edge designed to penetrate a second abutting surface which is a soft metal. Although many state of the art sealing devices will function effectively to seal the members at the ultra high vacuums and temperatures desired, it has been found most preferable to use a 100 cf Conflat flange which is a stainless steel flange with a copper O-ring seal. Of great importance in Conflat flange seal 40 is the fact that it functions effectively at temperatures up to 150.degree. C. during bakeout of the apparatus. This permits the effective formation of a seal with relatively standard sealing means. It would be virtually impossible to form the seal necessary if flange 40 were sealed with conventional, squeezable O-rings which are typically made from elastomeric material.

Spool 50 provides the conduit from the turbomolecular pump 30 to a gate valve 60. Spool piece 50 includes four Conflat flanges. The first is the common Conflat flange 40 with turbomolecular pump 30. The second is Conflat flange 51. The third and fourth Conflat flanges are identified by numerals 52 and 53. Conflat flange 52 connects spool 50 to the residual gas analyzer 13 sensing head while Conflat flange 53 provides the seal between the spool 50 and a Bayard-Alpert gauge.

An electropneumatic, ultra high vacuum pendulum gate valve 60 comprises the main valve isolating the turbomolecular pump 30 from the sample chamber 90. A piston contained within piston housing 61 provides the mechanism for opening and closing gate valve 60. Solenoid valve 62 and nitrogen gas are used to actuate the opening and closing of gate valve 60.

A second spool piece 70 is illustrated in FIG. 2 but in more specific detail by FIG. 3. Reference should be made to FIG. 3. Second spool piece 70 provides feedthrough from the pendulum gate valve 60 to the sample chamber 90. Spool piece 70 has extensions 71, 72, 74 and 78 connected to the main portion of the spool piece housing. Flange 71 provides tubulation for electrical feedthrough to the control panel 10 from the sample chamber 90. Flange 72 is tubulation for the low pressure vacuum head. At the exterior end of tube 72 is located low vacuum gauge head 73. Low vacuum gauge head 73 is connected to digital vacuum gauge 12. An ultra high vacuum valve 75 to mechanical pump 21 is located at the end portion of extension 74 from spool piece 70. The valve 75 acts to control the preliminary or "rough" vacuum drawn on sample chamber 90. Conflat flanges 76 and 77 are used to seal spool piece 70 to gate valve 60 and to ceramic insulator spool 80. The fourth extension from spool piece 70 is overpressure relief valve 78 shown by phantom line in FIG. 3.

Ceramic insulator spool 80 is inserted between spool piece 70 and sample chamber 90. Insulator spool 80 functions to prevent gross heat transfer from the elements of the apparatus above spool piece 70 to the cryogenic dewar 99 below (see FIG. 4). Without insulator spool 80 frost and ice frequently develop on the exterior of the ultra-high vacuum pump assembly 30 and other connected elements. Ceramic insulator spool 80 also permits more efficient utilization of the supercooling material, i.e. liquid nitrogen.

The sample chamber 90 is used to retain the sample holder 100. These components are illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. The sample chamber apparatus 90 includes a resin containing chamber 95 and a glass window 96 to provide visual access to the resin containing chamber 95. A gold sealed ultra high vacuum valve 97 and tubulation 98 provide access for the resin into the sample chamber 90. Glass tube 91 is attached to sample chamber 90 via glass to metal adapter 92 and tubulation 88 which in turn is connected to a metal "T" flange 93. Calibrated leak valve 94 is used to flush or permeate the sample chamber 90 with dry nitrogen gas or other inert material. The tube 91 is used to include osmium tetroxide crystals for introduction of osmium vapors into the sample chamber 90 during staining operations. Support members 94 are used to maintain the relative spacing of tubulation 88 and 98 from the housing of sample chamber 90. Cryogenic dewar 99 is used to maintain the cryogenic cooling means, i.e., liquid nitrogen.

In the most preferred embodiment of the apparatus of this invention a device is provided for sensing and automatically controlling the level of supercoolant, i.e. liquid nitrogen, in cryogenic dewar 99. Inherent in the use of liquid nitrogen or other similar coolants is the boiling off of the coolant over a period of time. Thus the coolant level must be periodically replenished to maintain the desired level of cooling. This can be accomplished manually or a mechanism can be installed for automatically sensing and replenishing the coolant level.

The sample holder 100, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, is used to retain the actual tissue samples. Typically the cryogenic bath environment 99 is liquid nitrogen contained by a dewar. The thermoconductivity of the cryogenic energy from the cryogenic bath environment 99 to the sample holder 100 is inherent in the structure. Reference here is made specifically to FIG. 4.

In the most preferred embodiment of this invention radiant heating means 125 are provided to permit a source of radiant energy to the tissue samples. Typically the radiant heating means are controlled by rheostats or thermostats. Temperature indicating means such as identified as component 14 of control panel 10 are typically used so that the temperature of the environment and tissue samples can be specifically controlled. In the preferred embodiment of this invention the radiant heating means and temperature indicating means are all operated by a microprocessor of a computer within precise defined ranges.

Other forms of energy are equally useful with the apparatus of this invention. More particularly, electromagnetic energy sources such as microwaves, radio waves, accoustic sound waves, visual light waves and ultraviolet or near ultraviolet waves may be used. Magnetic flux is also useful, especially in combination with any of the above enumerated energy forms. Combinations of the above may be used depending on the application and sample to which the apparatus is placed. Infrared radiation should be avoided. Sample characteristics are of paramount importance in determining the energy source which is ultimately selected.

In actual operation a tissue sample is vitrified to liquid nitrogen temperatures, i.e., less than -140.degree. C. The tissue is then transferred from a storage dewar to the sample holder 100 under liquid nitrogen temperatures with prechilled forceps.

The sample holder 100 is placed into the precooled sample chamber 90. Thermocouple wire 102 extending from sample holder 100 is then connected to mating wire 104 extending down from spool piece 70 (see FIG. 3). Likewise, heater wire 103 is then connected to mating flow through wire 105 extending from spool piece 70. The specimen chamber 90 is then connected to the spool 70 via Conflat flange 77. This connection must be accomplished in the liquid nitrogen bath. Mechanical pump 21 is then activated and the spool 70 and sample chamber 90 are evacuated (rough pumped) to approximately 1.times.10.sup.-3 mbar. The valves connecting the mechanical pump to sample chamber 90 is then closed and the main valve 60 between the turbomolecular pump 30 and sample chamber 90 is opened. At this time the drying process begins.

The system is allowed to thermally equilibrate while being constantly monitored by the instrumentation in control panel 10. The turbomolecular pump draws a vacuum of approximately 1.times.10.sup.-8 mbar to 1.times.10.sup.-10 mbar The samples themselves are monitored by the residual gas analyzer 13 which includes a quadrapole mass spectrometer.

When the tissue is in equilibrium as indicated by no change in temperature for one to five and preferably two to four hours, the temperature controller is raised from -150.degree. C. to about -70.degree. C. Preferably the temperature is raised at a rate of 1.degree. C. per hour to 3.degree. C. per hour or more. In the most preferred embodiment the temperature is raised at a rate of from 1.degree. C. per hour to 10.degree. C. per hour. When the residual gas analyzer 13 shows no increase in water vapor after an increase in temperature the tissue is determined to be dry (typically at -85.degree. C. to -70.degree. C.). The temperature is then increased to 25.degree. C. When the tissue has reached 25.degree. C. the liquid nitrogen level in the dewar is allowed to drop and the outside walls of the sample chamber 90 are warmed to room temperature.

Optionally osmium vapor may then be introduced through glass to metal adapter 92. Subsequently the osmium vapors are removed by recrystallization in a liquid nitrogen trap. Also, the resin material is added from resin chamber 95 through tubulation 98. The tissue may then be removed to polymerize the resin.

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the process of this invention. The portion of FIG. 1 which is included within a dotted line is not asserted to be new or novel. As can be readily understood from the foregoing description and the flow chart of FIG. 1, the essence of this invention amounts to treatment with a cryoprotectant vitrification, molecular distillation, sublimation, dehydration and tissue equilibration. This is a process and result which has not been heretofore thought possible. By use of this invention, it is possible to achieve medical goals heretofore thought to be impossible.

Although the preferred embodiment of the apparatus used in the practice of this invention has been described hereinabove in some detail, it should be appreciated that a variety of embodiments will be readily available to a person designing cryopreparation apparatus for a specific end use. The description of the apparatus of this invention is not intended to be limiting on this invention, but is merely illustrative of the preferred embodiment.

It is essential to the proper functioning of the apparatus of this invention that the sample holder 100 be sized and designed to be fittably received by sample chamber 90 and to maintain one or more tissue samples in the proper condition of vitrification during equilibration, sublimation and dehydration. The sample holder 100, which has shown specific utility in the apparatus of this invention, is illustrated more specifically in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 5, the sample holder 100 consists of a solid block of metal 110, preferably copper, silver, or gold, and combinations or alloys of copper, silver and gold. In the most preferred embodiment an alloy of silver and copper plated with gold is used. A plurality of wells 111 have been created in one surface of metal block 110. A central aperture 126 is also found in metal block 110. Radiant heat means 125 is inserted in aperture 126. The wells 111 create tissue reservoirs. The cryoprepared tissue samples are individually inserted into tissue reservoirs 111 with prechilled forceps as previously disclosed.

The tissue samples are then covered with reservoir cover 113. Reservoir cover 113 includes a wire mesh section 114 and a side wall 115. The configuration of reservoir cover 113 is shown with more specificity in FIG. 6. Wire mesh section 114 is attached to side wall 115 by special vacuum adhesives. Solder is not appropriate because of the out-gas properties of most solders. The finer the mesh of 114 the more effective the desired gas transfer. Reservoir cover 113 also functions to protect the tissue samples from the effects of sudden changes in pressure such as when the gate valve 60 is opened or closed.

Teflon.RTM. spacers 120 are intermittently spaced around the exterior surface of solid metal block 110 to provide the proper spacing from the wall or other chilled surface of sample chamber 90. A Teflon.RTM. sleeve 119 is threaded into central aperture 126 to protect connecting wires 102 and 103. The thermocouple connection is found at 122 on the uppermost surface of sample holder 100. Although the sample holder 100 is shown in a size and configuration which is appropriate for cryopreparation of tissue samples for analysis, it should be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art can equally prepare a sample holder to accommodate larger tissue masses or other forms of tissue.

In actual practice, individual tissue samples are placed in reservoirs 111 and reservoir cover 113 is inserted over the top of the tissue sample. As illustrated by FIG. 5, the covers 113 extend slightly above the surface of sample holder 100 to provide means for grasping the covers 113 during insertion or removal. In the most preferred embodiment slits 116 are provided in side wall 115 to give some flexibility to the covers 113, again to assist insertion and removal. The apertured surface 114 of covers 113 permits dehydration and sublimation without forming unnecessary moisture on the walls of reservoirs 112. It should also be understood that the preferred material for use in forming solid metal block 110 is copper although other materials, i.e. silver, gold, and alloys or combinations of copper, silver and gold, have been shown to be equally viable. The characterizing function of solid metal block 110 is the ability to transmit ultra low temperatures to the tissue samples and to maintain performance characteristics under the ultra high vacuum and ultra low temperature conditions of the cryopreparation apparatus and process of this invention.

Radiant heating means 125 are illustrated in FIG. 5 and provide a source of radiant heat to the tissue samples. Radiant heating means 125 are controlled by control panel 10. Control panel 10 permits infinite variability to the radiant heating means. In particular, temperature reader/recorder 14 and chart recorder 15 maintain information and control over the temperature of tissue reservoirs 112 and the tissue samples contained therein. As has been specifically pointed out hereinabove, control of sample temperature and the environmental temperature surrounding the tissue samples is absolutely essential to the effective functionality of the apparatus of this invention.

The most preferred embodiment of the sample holder 100 is illustrated in FIG. 5. Included in the most preferred embodiment is radiant heating means 125 which are shown in aperture 126. The most preferred form of radiant heating means 125 is a 220 volt/100 watt cartridge heater. The heating system is made more efficient by coating the interior, polished (spectral) surface of side wall 115 of reservoir cover 113 with a material which permits the efficient transfer of radiation energy to the specimen. Thus, in the preferred copper embodiment, the walls 115 are treated with potassium sulfide to turn the interior surface walls black and thus provide the mechanism for controlled radiant heating of the tissue sample. In some embodiments the interior surfaces of wells 111 are likewise spectral.

Thus, the radiant heating means, i.e. cartridge heater 125, is controlled by temperature reader/recorder 14. The heating mechanism is selectively activated manually or preferably by a programmable computer or microprocessor to maintain the desired temperature or temperature rate of change. Upon heating the metal block 110 conducts heat energy to the tissue reservoirs 112 and the heat energy is absorbed by the spectral coating on reservoir cover 113 and/or side wall 115. The spectral coating then acts as the source of radiant heat to the tissue samples.

Although the preferred embodiment of the specimen holder has been described hereinabove in some detail, it should be appreciated that a variety of embodiments will be readily available to a person designing an apparatus for a specific end use. The description of the preferred sample holder of this invention is not intended to be limiting on this invention, but is merely illustrative. Other specimen holders which incorporate modifications or changes to that which has been described hereinabove are equally included within this application.

As can be seen from the foregoing, the present invention provides a method for cryopreparing samples which increases the size of samples which can be processed and also reduces the time required to process the samples. Changes and modifications to the described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.