What is a Vibratome? | Guide to Vibrating Microtomes

Learn how vibratomes work, compare models, and explore applications in neuroscience and pathology

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What is a Vibratome? | Guide to Vibrating Microtomes

Learn how vibratomes work, compare models, and explore applications in neuroscience and pathology

Understand how vibratomes work, why they’re essential for neuroscience and histology, and how to choose the right model for your lab.

What is a Vibratome?

9000SMZ Vibratome

A vibratome is a type of microtome used to section biological tissue using a vibrating stainless steel or ceramic blade. Unlike rotary microtomes, cryostats, or paraffin-embedded slicing methods, a vibratome allows for the preparation of unfixed or lightly fixed tissue sections without the need for freezing or embedding in wax.

Vibratomes are designed to produce thick, viable slices of tissue—typically between 20 and 1000 microns—while preserving structural and cellular integrity. This makes them especially valuable for neuroscience, electrophysiology, pharmacology, and tissue culture applications where cell viability and accurate morphology are critical.

The core principle of a vibratome is the use of a high-frequency vibrating blade that oscillates horizontally while slowly advancing through a tissue sample. The vibration minimizes shearing forces and reduces mechanical damage, allowing researchers to obtain smooth and consistent slices even from soft or delicate tissues like brain, liver, or spinal cord.

Vibratomes typically include:

  • A motorized vibrating blade arm
  • A specimen stage or holder to secure tissue samples
  • A buffer tray or bath filled with solutions like ACSF or PBS
  • Adjustable settings for vibration amplitude, frequency, and section thickness

In research labs, vibratomes are used to prepare organotypic brain slices, tissue explants, and samples for imaging, immunohistochemistry, or functional assays. Because vibratomes do not require freezing, they are ideal for preserving tissue function and morphology during slicing.

Common synonyms include vibrating microtome and vibrating blade microtome.

Applications of Vibratomes in Scientific Research

Vibratomes are used across a wide range of scientific disciplines where thick, intact tissue slices are needed without the structural distortion caused by traditional microtomy or cryostat sectioning. Because vibratomes preserve cell viability and tissue architecture, they are ideal for functional and structural studies alike.

🧠 Neuroscience

Vibratomes are the gold standard for slicing live brain tissue in neuroscience research. They enable the preparation of organotypic slices used in:

  • Electrophysiology (e.g., patch clamp, field potential recordings)
  • Calcium imaging and voltage-sensitive dye studies
  • Optogenetics and neural circuit mapping
  • Brain slice cultures for long-term studies

The ability to cut fresh brain sections while maintaining synaptic integrity makes vibratomes indispensable in cognitive, behavioral, and pharmacological neuroscience.

🧪 Pharmacology & Toxicology

In pharmacological studies, vibratomes are used to section soft tissue like liver, kidney, and intestinal mucosa to assess:

  • Drug absorption and diffusion rates
  • Tissue response to compound exposure
  • Metabolic enzyme activity and bioavailability

Vibratome-cut tissue can also be used in ex vivo toxicology models and precision-cut tissue slice (PCTS) systems.

🔬 Pathology & Histology

While not a replacement for paraffin sectioning, vibratomes are widely used in histology for:

  • Immunohistochemistry (IHC) on thick sections
  • Fluorescent microscopy of fixed samples
  • Preparing tissue for 3D imaging and clearing techniques

Researchers working on antibody labeling or spatial biology benefit from the thick sections vibratomes produce, which allow better penetration of stains and dyes.

🧫 Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine

In tissue engineering, vibratomes assist in creating standardized tissue slices for:

  • Scaffold seeding and decellularization studies
  • Biomaterial-tissue interface modeling
  • Mechanical testing of soft tissue composites
  • Creating living myocardial slices for cardiac electrophysiology and regenerative medicine

These applications benefit from vibratome precision and the ability to preserve tissue viability. Living myocardial slices, in particular, are gaining prominence in translational cardiology for studying heart function, drug responses, and tissue regeneration under near-native conditions.

📷 Microscopy & Imaging

Vibratomes produce smooth surfaces ideal for high-resolution imaging, including:

  • Confocal and multiphoton microscopy
  • CLARITY and tissue clearing techniques
  • 3D reconstruction from serial sections

Vibratome vs Other Microtomes

Not all microtomes are created equal. Depending on your application—whether it’s live tissue slicing, routine histology, or frozen sectioning—each type of microtome has distinct advantages and limitations. Below is a detailed comparison of the three most common types:

Key Differences Between Microtome Types

  • Vibratome: Ideal for live or fixed tissue without the need for freezing or embedding. Enables thicker, viable slices.
  • Rotary Microtome: Standard for thin paraffin-embedded tissue sections. Excellent for routine histology.
  • Cryostat: Used for quick-frozen tissue slices in clinical and pathology labs. Ideal for rapid diagnostics.

Use the table below to compare their core features.

Feature Vibratome Rotary Microtome Cryostat
Tissue Type Live or fixed Paraffin-embedded Frozen
Slice Thickness 20–1000 µm 1–20 µm 5–40 µm
Sample Preparation No freezing/embedding Paraffin block required Rapid freezing needed
Ideal Use Case Electrophysiology, tissue culture Routine histopathology Rapid intra-op diagnostics
Section Quality High for thick soft tissue Very fine detail for thin cuts Good, but potential freeze artifacts
User Skill Level Moderate Moderate Advanced
Required Equipment Vibrating microtome + buffer bath Rotary microtome Cryostat chamber
Cell Viability Excellent Lost during processing Low (frozen stress)
Common Applications Neuroscience, regenerative medicine Histology, pathology labs Clinical biopsy review
 

 

How to Choose the Right Vibratome

Selecting the right vibratome depends on several factors including the type of tissue you work with, your research goals, and your lab's budget and workflow needs. Below is a practical guide to help you evaluate which model is best suited to your application.

🔬 Tissue Type and Sample Size

Consider the types of tissues you'll be sectioning most often:

  • Brain, spinal cord, and neural tissue: Require gentle slicing with minimal compression. Models with high vibration stability and adjustable amplitude are ideal.
  • Myocardial, liver, or kidney slices: Require a powerful blade mechanism and flexible sample tray configurations.
  • Fixed vs. fresh tissue: Fixed samples are easier to cut, but live slices demand precise vibration control to preserve viability.

⚙️ Key Performance Specifications

Match the vibratome's capabilities to your experimental needs:

  • Slice thickness range: Ensure your model supports your required range (e.g. 20-1000 µm).
  • Blade frequency and amplitude: Higher frequency vibration improves section quality, especially in soft tissues.
  • Precision and repeatability: Look for micrometer accuracy and programmable settings if consistency is critical.

🤖 Automation & User Interface

Labs with high throughput or multiple users often benefit from:

  • Automated slicing modes: Useful for repeatable workflows
  • Programmable memory: Store and recall frequently used settings
  • Digital readouts: Easier calibration and monitoring

Manual vibratomes are cost-effective but require more user skill. Consider user experience and training level when choosing.

💼 Budget and Lab Resources

Not all labs need top-tier models. Here's how to align budget with function:

  • Entry-level models: Ideal for teaching labs or simple fixed tissue slicing
  • Mid-range models: Good for routine histology and some live tissue work
  • High-performance models: Designed for demanding neuroscience and tissue viability studies

Always factor in accessory costs (blades, trays, bath inserts) and support/service availability.

🔍 Comparison Shopping Tip

Download our Vibratome Comparison Guide to see side-by-side specs of our top models like the 9000SMZ and 5100mz.

📩 Still Unsure?

Our application specialists are happy to help. Contact our technical team to discuss your use case and we?ll recommend the best vibratome for your workflow.

Maintenance & Setup

To maintain vibratome performance:

  • Use fresh blades
  • Calibrate thickness settings
  • Keep tissue submerged in buffer
  • Clean device after each use

Vibratome Setup & Demo Video

Frequently Asked Questions

Can vibratomes cut live brain tissue?
Yes. Vibratomes are widely used to cut live, unfixed brain, heart, lung, liver slices for electrophysiology, imaging, and culture. Their low-vibration motion helps preserve synaptic and structural integrity during slicing.
Do I need to fix tissue before slicing with a vibratome?
No. Vibratomes are designed to cut both fixed and fresh tissue. For soft tissues like brain or liver, slicing without fixation is common in live experiments. For histological staining, fixed tissues may be preferred.
What slice thicknesses can vibratomes achieve?
Most vibratomes support a slice thickness range of 20 to 1000 microns. Common applications include 300–500 µm for electrophysiology and 50–100 µm for imaging or staining.
What tissues can I cut with a vibratome?
Common tissues include brain, spinal cord, liver, kidney, lung, heart (for living myocardial slices), and intestinal mucosa. The key is that the tissue is soft and can be embedded or secured properly for slicing.
Are vibratome blades reusable?
Yes. Stainless steel blades and ceramic blades can be re-used. Stainless steel blades can be used for a few days. Ceramic blades can last many weeks. Blade quality directly affects slice smoothness and cellular preservation. Razor blades should NEVER be used as they are designed to cut hair and not skin and are, therefore, relatively blunt. Read this article on blade choice and hardness.
Do I need a special embedding medium?
No wax or freezing is required. Tissues are often embedded in low-melting agarose to provide support during slicing. The agarose block is then mounted in a buffer tray such as ACSF or PBS.
What buffer should I use during slicing?
Most neuroscience and live tissue applications use oxygenated artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF). For fixed tissues, phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) is common. Buffer keeps tissue hydrated and stable.
Can vibratomes be used for fixed paraffin-embedded tissues?
No. Paraffin-embedded tissues are best sliced with a rotary microtome. Vibratomes are optimized for slicing unembedded, soft tissues without dehydration or embedding processes.
Are vibratomes difficult to calibrate?
No. Most modern vibratomes include digital controls for slice thickness, vibration frequency, and blade advance. Calibration typically takes less than 5 minutes with standard reference blocks.
What accessories do I need?
Common accessories include blade holders, specimen clamps, buffer trays, chilling modules (optional), and spare blades. Some labs also use LED lighting or microscope mounts for real-time viewing.

Why Choose Campden Instruments?

Campden Instruments is a global leader in precision tissue slicing solutions, trusted by researchers in neuroscience, histology, pharmacology, and biomedical engineering for over 40 years. We don’t just manufacture instruments—we collaborate with scientists to solve real-world research challenges.

🧬 Proven Performance in Research Labs

Our vibratomes are used by leading institutions including the University of Oxford, Harvard Medical School, the Max Planck Institute, and many others. Campden’s instruments are frequently cited in peer-reviewed publications for their reliability and precision in preparing live tissue samples.

We have developed models tailored to meet the demands of:

  • Advanced neuroscience (e.g., electrophysiology, calcium imaging)
  • Cardiovascular studies (e.g., living myocardial slices)
  • Routine histopathology and teaching labs

⚙️ Innovation That Matters

Campden was the first to offer:

  • Fully programmable vibratome systems with memory presets
  • Low-vibration blade holders for ultra-smooth slicing
  • High-frequency motors for cutting soft, unfixed tissue

Every feature we design is engineered with the end user in mind—whether you're preparing delicate brain slices or durable cardiac tissue.

🌍 Global Support Network

Campden products are supported by an international network of technical reps and authorised distributors. We provide:

  • Remote and in-person training for lab staff
  • Fast global shipping and customs-ready packaging
  • Direct access to technical support and service specialists

We’re known not just for the quality of our instruments, but the responsiveness of our people.

🔒 Built for Longevity and Accuracy

Every Campden vibratome is manufactured under ISO-certified quality standards, using high-grade components built for consistent, repeatable performance over years of lab use.

Our instruments are:

  • Calibrated and QC-tested before shipment
  • Backed by industry-leading warranties
  • Designed to be serviceable with readily available parts

💡 Let’s Build Your Ideal Slicing Setup

Whether you're upgrading your neuroscience core facility or starting a teaching lab, Campden Instruments has a vibratome solution tailored to your needs. Contact our team to discuss your application, and we'll help you configure the ideal system—blade holders, trays, and accessories included.

Customer Spotlight

Talking Science with our vibratome users

Explore Our Vibratomes

9000SMZ Vibratome
9000SMZ Vibratome

Model 9000SMZ

The 9000SMZ Vibratome is a high-precision vibrating microtome designed for neuroscience, cardiac, lung, liver, organoid, plant research and histology. Slice live and fixed tissue with accuracy and ease.

5100mz-Plus Vibratome
5100mz-Plus Vibratome

Model 5100mz-Plus

The 5100mz-Plus is perfect for those who need to keep slices viable for longer e.g. for electrophysiological field recordings. The user can calibrate the Z-axis deflection of the blade to 2 µm with the adjustable blade holder and "Opti-cal" Calibration device.

5100mz Vibratome
5100mz Vibratome

Model 5100mz

The 5100mz is a very competitively priced, high precision, vibrating microtome (vibrotome for short) which shares many features with the top of the range 9000SMZ series, such as the vibrating mechanism, the inner and outer tissue baths and the easy to use control system.

Need help choosing? Contact our technical team

Publications & Research Papers

Here are a few select references for different tissues. A complete bibliography is available for download here.

Precision Cut Lung Slices 

Fastiggi, V. A., Mank, M. M., Caporizzo, M. A., & Poynter, M. E. (2025). Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Inhibits Bronchial Smooth Muscle Contraction. bioRxiv, 2025-02. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.02.24.639075  

Melo-Narvaez, M.C., Gölitz, F., Jain, E. et al. (2025). Cold storage of human precision-cut lung slices in TiProtec preserves cellular composition and transcriptional responses and enables on-demand mechanistic studies. Respir Res 26, 57. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12931-025-03132-w  

Blomberg, R., Sompel, K., Hauer, C., Smith, A. J., Peña, B., Driscoll, J., Hume, P. S., Merrick, D. T., Tennis, M. A., & Magin, C. M. (2024). Hydrogel-Embedded Precision-Cut Lung Slices Model Lung Cancer Premalignancy Ex Vivo. Advanced Healthcare Materials, 13(4), 2302246. https://doi.org/10.1002/ADHM.202302246  

Cheong, S. S., Luis, T. C., Hind, M., & Dean, C. H. (2024). A Novel Method for Floxed Gene Manipulation Using TAT-Cre Recombinase in Ex Vivo Precision-Cut Lung Slices (PCLS). Bio-Protocol, 14(8), e4980. https://doi.org/10.21769/BIOPROTOC.4980  

Fercoq, F., Cairns, G. S., Donatis, M. de, Mackey, J. B. G., Floerchinger, A., McFarlane, A., Raffo-Iraolagoitia, X. L., Whyte, D., Arnott, L. W. G., Nixon, C., Wiesheu, R., Kilbey, A., Brown, L., Al-Khalidi, S., Norman, J. C., Roberts, E. W., Blyth, K., Coffelt, S. B., & Carlin, L. M. (2024). Integrin conformation-dependent neutrophil slowing obstructs the capillaries of the pre-metastatic lung in a model of breast cancer. BioRxiv, 2024.03.19.585724. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.03.19.585724  

Gonzales-Huerta, L., Williams, T., Aljohani, R., Robertson, B., Evans, C., & Armstrong-James, D. (2024). Precision-cut lung slices in air-liquid interface (PCLS-ALI): A novel ex-vivo model for the study of Pulmonary Aspergillosis. BioRxiv, 2024.11.15.615211. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.11.15.615211  

Hasanaj, E., Beaulieu, D., Wang, C., Hu, Q., Bueno, M., Sembrat, J. C., Pineda, R. H., Melo-Narvaez, M. C., Cardenes, N., Yanwu, Z., Yingze, Z., Lafyatis, R., Morris, A., Mora, A., Rojas, M., Li, D., Rahman, I., Pryhuber, G. S., Lehmann, M., … Königshoff, M. (2024). SenSet, a novel human lung senescence cell gene signature, identifies cell-specific senescence mechanisms. BioRxiv, 2024.12.21.629928. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.12.21.629928  

Hauer, C., Blomberg, R., Sompel, K., Magin, C. M., Ten-Nis, M. A., & Tennis, M. A. (2024). Hydrogel-embedded precision-cut lung slices support ex vivo culture of in vivo-induced premalignant lung lesions. BioRxiv, 2024.04.29.591698. https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.04.29.591698  

Nowakowska, J., Gvazava, N., Langwi nski, W., Ziarniak, K., Augusto da Silva, I. N., Stegmayr, J., Wagner, D. E., & Szczepankiewicz, A. (2024). Optimizing miRNA transfection for screening in precision cut lung slices. American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology. https://doi.org/10.1152/AJPLUNG.00138.2024  

Cardiac Slices

Abbas, N., Bentele, M., Waleczek, F. J., Fuchs, M., Just, A., Pfanne, A., ... & Thum, T. (2024). Ex vivo modelling of cardiac injury identifies ferroptosis-related pathways as a potential therapeutic avenue for translational medicine. Journal of molecular and cellular cardiology, 196, 125-140. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.yjmcc.2024.09.012 

Hancock, E. N., Palmer, B. M., & Caporizzo, M. A. (2024). Microtubule destabilization with colchicine increases the work output of myocardial slices. Journal of molecular and cellular cardiology plus, 7, 100066. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmccpl.2024.100066 

Jordan, M., Schmieder, F., Waleczek, F. J., Polk, C., Stucki-Koch, A., Philipp, J., ... & Fiedler, J. (2024). De novo establishment of an ex vivo culture for living myocardial slices applying a microphysiological system–MPSlms. Current Directions in Biomedical Engineering (Vol. 10, No. 4, pp. 347-350). https://doi.org/10.1515/cdbme-2024-2085 

Miller, J. M., Meki, M. M., El-Baz, A. S., Giridharan, G. A., & Mohamed, T. M. (2024). Culturing Cardiac Tissue Slices Under Continuous Physiological Mechanical Stretches. In Experimental Models of Cardiovascular Diseases: Methods and Protocols (pp. 61-74). New York, NY: Springer US. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-3846-0_5  

Pitoulis, F. G., Smith, J. J., Pamias‐Lopez, B., de Tombe, P. P., Hayman, D., & Terracciano, C. M. (2024). MyoLoop: Design, development and validation of a standalone bioreactor for pathophysiological electromechanical in vitro cardiac studies. Experimental Physiology, 109(3), 405-415. https://doi.org/10.1113/EP091247 

Reilly-O’Donnell, B., Ferraro, E., Tikhomirov, R., Nunez-Toldra, R., Shchendrygina, A., Patel, L., ... & Gorelik, J. (2024). Protective effect of UDCA against IL-11-induced cardiac fibrosis is mediated by TGR5 signalling. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 11, 1430772. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2024.1430772 

Zabielska-Kaczorowska, M. A., Stawarska, K., Kawecka, A., Urbanowicz, K., Smolenski, R. T., & Kutryb-Zajac, B. (2024). Nucleotide depletion in hypoxia experimental models of mouse myocardial slices. Meeting Report in Nucleosides, Nucleotides & Nucleic Acids. (Vol 43, Issue 8). https://doi.org/10.1080/15257770.2024.2381791 

Boukhalfa, A., Robinson, S. R., Meola, D. M., Robinson, N. A., Ling, L. A., LaMastro, J. N., ... & Yang, V. K. (2023). Using cultured canine cardiac slices to model the autophagic flux with doxorubicin. Plos one, 18(3), e0282859. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0282859 

Kok, C. Y., Tsurusaki, S., Cabanes-Creus, M., Igoor, S., Rao, R., Skelton, R., ... & Kizana, E. (2023). Development of new adeno-associated virus capsid variants for targeted gene delivery to human cardiomyocytes. Molecular Therapy-Methods & Clinical Development, 30, 459-473. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.omtm.2023.08.010  

Nunez-Toldra, R., Del Canizo, A., Secco, I., Nicastro, L., Giacca, M., & Terracciano, C. M. (2023). Living myocardial slices for the study of nucleic acid-based therapies. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 11, 1275945. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2023.1275945 

Ross, A. J., Krumova, I., Tunc, B., Wu, Q., Wu, C., & Camelliti, P. (2023). A novel method to extend viability and functionality of living heart slices. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 10, 1244630. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2023.1244630 

Wells, S. P., Raaijmakers, A. J., Curl, C. L., O’Shea, C., Hayes, S., Mellor, K. M., ... & Bell, J. R. (2023). Localized cardiomyocyte lipid accumulation is associated with slowed epicardial conduction in rats. Journal of General Physiology, 155(11), e202213296. https://doi.org/10.1085/jgp.202213296 

Precision Cut Liver Slices

Leaker, B. D., Wang, Y., Tam, J., & Anderson, R. R. (2024). Analysis of culture and RNA isolation methods for precision-cut liver slices from cirrhotic rats. Scientific Reports, 14(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-66235-2

Rodimova, S. A., Kozlov, D. S., Krylov, D. P., Mikhailova, L. v., Kozlova, V. A., Gavrina, A. I., Mozherov, Elagin, V. v., & Kuznetsova, D. S. (2024). Nanoparticles for Creating a Strategy to Stimulate Liver Regeneration. Sovremennye Tehnologii v Medicine, 16(3), 31–41. https://doi.org/10.17691/STM2024.16.3.04

Very, N., Boulet, C., Gheeraert, C., Berthier, A., Johanns, M., Bou Saleh, M., Guille, L., Bray, F., Strub, J. M., Bobowski-Gerard, M., Zummo, F. P., Vallez, E., Molendi-Coste, O., Woitrain, E., Cianférani, S., Montaigne, D., Ntandja-Wandji, L. C., Dubuquoy, L., Dubois-Chevalier, J., … Eeckhoute, J. (2024). O-GlcNAcylation controls pro-fibrotic transcriptional regulatory signaling in myofibroblasts. Cell Death & Disease 2024 15:6, 15(6), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41419-024-06773-9

Wang, Y., Leaker, B., Qiao, G., Sojoodi, M., Eissa, I. R., Epstein, E. T., Eddy, J., Dimowo, O., Lauer, G. M., Qadan, M., Lanuti, M., Chung, R. T., Fuchs, B. C., & Tanabe, K. K. (2024). Precision-cut liver slices as an ex vivo model to evaluate antifibrotic therapies for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. Hepatology Communications, 8(11). https://doi.org/10.1097/HC9.0000000000000558

Xu, M., Warner, C., Duan, X., Cheng, Z., Jeyarajan, A. J., Li, W., Wang, Y., Shao, T., Salloum, S., Chen, P. J., Yu, X., Chung, R. T., & Lin, W. (2024). HIV coinfection exacerbates HBV-induced liver fibrogenesis through a HIF-1α- and TGF-β1-dependent pathway. Journal of Hepatology, 80(6), 868–881. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.JHEP.2024.01.026

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