Laboratories & Research Facilities
Mineralized Tissue and Histology Research Laboratory
Dr. Sean Liu is the Director of the Mineralized Tissue and Histology Research Laboratory, which is approximately 800 square feet located in the DS 238 complex, plus DS 250C which is a shared laboratory. This laboratory contains most of the equipment required for this proposal. The research technologist is under his supervision.
The Mineralized Tissue and Histology Research Laboratory (MTHRL) is an outgrowth of the former Bone Research Laboratory. In the late 1980s and 1990s, the Bone Research Laboratory had grants from NASA to analyze experiments that were flown in space which included STS 40, Life Sciences 1 & 2 (SLS 1, SLS 2) as well as others. There were also several NIDR grants at that time as well. The laboratory still specializes in the preparation of undecalcified hard tissue specimens, particularly those with metal implants in situ, but is equipped and staffed to provide a full array of histology services with capabilities for processing soft tissue and hard tissue specimens and provides comprehensive histological services to the School of Dentistry investigators such as:
Tissue processing in both paraffin and plastic embedding (methyl Methacrylate).
Sectioning (paraffin-embedded) to specified thickness.
Sectioning (plastic-embedded) to an approximate thickness.
Histochemical stains, including: Hematoxylin and Eosin (H & E) & Trichrome.
Equipment
Skyscan 1072 MicroCT (uCT), which permits the scanning of small specimens with up to 2 µm of resolution
Skyscan software for CT reconstructions.
Up-to-date computers (Dell workstations)
Shandon Hypercenter XP for paraffin and plastic infiltration
Miles Tissue Tek Embedding Center for paraffin histology
Leica microtomes (2050) The rotary microtome for sectioning paraffin embedded tissues
Leica Polycut S sledge microtome for sectioning of mineralized thin sections (without implants)
Exakt cutting/microgrinding system for producing 15-25 micron sections of fully mineralized and implant containing specimens
Exakt Light polymerized embedding machine for plastic embedding
Nikon Microphot FXA automatic photomicroscope with brightfield, darkfield, polarized, and epifluoresent capabilities to allow for histomorphometric measurements.
Nikon Dissecting microscope
Digital imaging system including a Sony Printer
Nikon Labphot microscopes
Leica 1600 Sawmicrotome for serial sectioning of mineralized specimens and implants at an approximate thickness of 100 microns
Vacuum oven for infiltrating large bone pieces
Various balances
Special procedures are available upon request. For economical processing of hard tissue specimens, a variety of decalcification procedures are available and will be quoted as needed once it is discussed with the Director and laboratory personnel. It is extremely important that researchers plan projects carefully so that appropriate time will be allowed for the completion of work sent to the laboratory realizing that there is limited staff and several ongoing projects. Since there is a finite time factor for IUSD postdoctoral and predoctoral dental students, this project takes first priority. The MTHRL also provides histological services through negotiated contracts or on a sample to sample basis for investigators outside of the School of Dentistry.
Current Work
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Bone fluorochrome labels: sections showing bone remodeling process during tooth movement observed under our Nikon Microphot FXA fluorescent microscope.
Biomechanics Research Laboratory
Dr. Thomas Katona is the Director of the Biomechanics Research Laboratory, which is approximately 800 square feet of space in DS 250B and 250C (a shared laboratory). A comprehensive fundraising campaign in the early nineties enabled the department to purchase the MTS testing machine and remodel the area for its use. The laboratory is immediately adjacent to the Mineralized Tissue and Histology Research Laboratory complex to maximize opportunities for collaborative research.
Equipment
MTS testing machine: general mechanical testing
Up-to-date computers (Dell workstations)
Access to general histological materials
Pro/Engineer: computer aided design software
Unigraphics: computer aided design software
ANSYS/Workbench: state of the art finite element analysis and CAD package
Materialise Mimics: provides interface/transformation between CT data and CAD/FEA data
MATLAB: mathematical software
Fraclac: fractal analysis software
SPSS: statistical package.
For additional information, please contact:
Department of Orthodontics & Oral Facial Genetics, Research Section
Indiana University School of Dentistry
1121 W. Michigan St., Room 204
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5186
Research Office: (317) 274-0544
Administrative Office: (317) 274-8301
Fax: (317) 278-1438
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