3D imaging with enhanced transparency, signal-to-background ratios, and antigen detection using HyPer-3D.

Title3D imaging with enhanced transparency, signal-to-background ratios, and antigen detection using HyPer-3D.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2026
AuthorsChoi T, Lacko LA, de Silva N, Liang NKham Hsi, Liu Y, Jamies EA, Evans T, Hurtado R
JournalCell Rep Methods
Pagination101375
Date Published2026 Mar 30
ISSN2667-2375
Abstract

We developed HyPer-3D (hydrogen peroxide-NaN3-DMSO), a chemical treatment that addresses persistent challenges in 3D imaging of cleared tissues. Imaging across stem cell, zebrafish, and murine model systems demonstrated that HyPer-3D quenches tissue autofluorescence, increases signal-to-background ratios (SBRs) by 30×, potentiates optical clearing capacity by 6×, increases detection of poorly recognized antigens by 4.5×, and enables a 5× increase in fluorescent reporter detection, which are conversely often diminished in 3D imaging. These improvements enhanced multiplex interrogation of highly autofluorescent and fibrous organs, including previously undocumented nephron segments, cardiac conduction system elements, and diffuse spermatogonial stem cells. Optimization for human tissues, which remain among the most difficult to 3D imaging due to autofluorescence and structural density far exceeding those of commonly used animal tissues, yielded a 5× increase in SBRs and enabled multiplex imaging with cellular resolution. Collectively, HyPer-3D provides a robust approach for high-contrast 3D imaging of basic and clinical specimens.

DOI10.1016/j.crmeth.2026.101375
Alternate JournalCell Rep Methods
PubMed ID41916297
Grant ListR01 HD101452 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States
R21 HD107212 / HD / NICHD NIH HHS / United States