Clearing tissue samples using CLARITY begins with introducing hydrogel monomers into the tissue. The monomers are introduced via transcardial perfusion and/or sample incubation with a hydrogel monomer solution.

CLARITY-applicable Tissue Samples

CLARITY can be performed on both freshly-extracted tissue samples as well as fixed tissue samples. The main difference in processing these samples is the incubation time in the hydrogel monomer solution.

While CLARITY was developed for brain tissue, it is applicable to a variety of other tissues as well. Challenges may arise for tissues that are particularly fibrous as they may undergo increased crosslinking and therefore limit porosity and diffusion of the clearing solution micelles.

Steps for Sample Preparation

Begin by preparing the hydrogel solution. This solution can be made in batches and stored in the freezer until needed.