The Split Well: a New Method for Comparing Nano-Scaffolds in Electron Microscopy

Comparing the nanostructure of multiple scaffolds for tissue engineering using electron microscopy poses significant challenges in terms of time and cost. To overcome this, we have developed a novel method that enables the assessment of two different scaffolds on a single slide in scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

The Pura Matrix scaffold was used to study this method. Firstly, each scaffold was positioned at the bottom of a well, ensuring that every sample was placed on one specific side of the well. Then, each sample was washed with PBS and fixed with glutaraldehyde. After the scaffolds were fixed, they were washed three times with PBS and finally dried overnight at room temperature. After 24 hours, the samples were coated in gold and then observed using SEM. 

In this study, we utilized this method successfully to investigate the structures of different self-assembling peptides. Our split-well approach not only saves time for researchers and reduces confounding variables but also minimizes the cost of services by allowing simultaneous evaluation of two scaffolds. 

Our findings demonstrate that researchers can achieve precise comparisons using similar magnifications. Overall, the split-well approach proves to be a cost-effective and accurate method for comparing different scaffolds in tissue engineering.