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ePoster
X-RAY NANOTOMOGRAPHY FOR CONNECTOMICS
Carles Bosch Piñoland 27 co-authors
ALBA Synchrotron
FENS Forum 2026 (2026)
Barcelona, Spain
Board PS07-10AM-060
Presentation
Date TBA
Board: PS07-10AM-060
Event Information
Poster Board
PS07-10AM-060
Poster
View posterAbstract
Maps of dense subcellular features in biological tissues are the key to understanding the structural basis of organ function. Electron microscopy provides the necessary resolution, yet it requires physical sectioning or ablation, which strongly challenges anatomical investigations of entire organs such as mammalian brains.
X-ray nanotomography represents a promising alternative for ultrastructural 3D imaging without physical sectioning. Leveraging the high brilliance of 4th generation synchrotron X-ray sources, it has the potential to non-destructively image mm³-sized samples at ultrastructural resolution within a few days.
A fundamental barrier to application to the life sciences is that, when irradiated with high-intensity X-rays, biological samples deform and ultimately disintegrate, prohibiting reaching sufficient resolution.
Here present multiple solutions that pave the way towards X-ray connectomics, addressing optimisations in sample preparation, image acquisition and data processing:
Samples embedded in a radiation-tough resin, TGPAP-DDM, can withstand the high doses (>1010 Gy) required for synaptic resolution.
Subtomogram imaging in a ptychographic endstation and non-rigid reconstruction compensates mild sample deformations allowing to reach sufficient resolution to detect synapses.
High-throughput imaging modes are compatible with brain tissues: laminography and nano-holography.
Optimised sample preparation can improve efficiency of phase contrast imaging. Removal of interstitial material by critical point drying brings a 2-4x increase in contrast.
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