microdiseción

Microdissection is a technique used in biology and medicine to isolate specific cells or small pieces of tissue from a larger sample. It typically involves using a microscope to visualize the target structure and a very fine instrument, such as a needle or a microblade, to physically remove it. This precise manipulation allows researchers to study the isolated components in detail, free from the influence of surrounding cells or tissues.

The applications of microdissection are widespread. In research, it is crucial for analyzing gene expression in specific cell types, identifying pathogens in infected tissues, or isolating individual neurons for electrophysiological studies. In clinical settings, microdissection can be used for diagnostic purposes, such as extracting tumor cells from a biopsy for further analysis. It is also employed in forensic science to isolate DNA from minute biological samples.

There are several methods for performing microdissection. Manual microdissection, as described, relies on the skill of the operator. Laser capture microdissection (LCM) is a more advanced technique that uses a focused laser beam to melt a thermoplastic film onto the target cells, which are then lifted away with the film. LCM offers increased speed and precision, especially for large-scale studies. Regardless of the method, the goal is to obtain pure, well-defined samples for subsequent analysis.