HABIT: Histology and Bioimaging in Traumatology

The HABIT research group combines specialised methods of histology and imaging to investigate traumatic tissue injuries and regenerative processes. The aim is to make structural changes and healing progress visible and measurable at the organ, tissue, and cellular levels. This work spans both basic research and translational projects.

The group’s histological techniques allow for a detailed analysis of tissue alterations and regenerative activity. Samples come from a wide range of sources, including cartilage and bone, internal organs (e.g., liver and kidney), skin, muscle, as well as cell-based constructs and biomaterial-derived grafts. Methods used include paraffin and cryo-sectioning, resin embedding, histochemical, enzyme histochemical, and immunohistochemical staining, along with electron microscopy (SEM and TEM). These approaches help to visualise different tissue components and identify specific structures, such as matrix elements, cell types, or cytokines, through enzyme or antibody-antigen reactions. For instance, electron microscopy provides high-resolution insights into substructures like collagen fibrils and individual cell organelles.

The HABIT group also conducts hard tissue histology at the Karl Donath Laboratory of the University Dental Clinic Vienna. As the extracellular matrix of hard tissues like bone and teeth is mineralised, specialised techniques are applied: the ground section technique allows analysis of undecalcified histological sections, and histomorphometry enables precise measurement of bone tissue and biomaterials. This supports systematic investigation of bone substitute integration and the development of new treatment strategies to enhance bone availability.

Another focus of the group is on bioimaging, with the goal of visualising and analysing healing processes at the organ, tissue, and cellular levels. A wide range of imaging techniques is used in preclinical models, with a particular emphasis on high-resolution micro- and nano-computed tomography (µCT, nanoCT), which the group primarily applies to analyse bone structure, bone formation, and material integration. Additional methods include in vivo fluorescence, bioluminescence, and laser Doppler imaging. The group also uses Nanolive, a special technology that enables label-free, three-dimensional microscopy of living cells without the need for staining.