Apparatus (100, 200) for dissection of material from a biological sample disposed on a planar substrate, the apparatus comprising: • a dissection tool (120, 220) • a platform for supporting the planar substrate; • a positioning system (130, 132, 135, 137a) configured to move the dissection tool and the platform relative to each other and control their relative positions such that the dissection tool selectively engages with the biological sample in a predefined region thereof (S; X); whereby the dissection tool has a longitudinal axis and is arranged at an oblique angle (α) relative to the platform, and comprises a thin-walled gouging head (125, 225) having a base portion; wherein: - the positioning system is further configured to bring an underside of the gouging head into contact with the planar substrate in use of the tool; - the gouging head further has opposing side portions (127b, 127c) which extend from the base portion in a direction away from the planar substrate and which at least partly enclose a cavity within the gouging head for receiving biological material that is dissected when relative movement between the gouging head (125, 225, 325) and the planar substrate causes a front face of the gouging head to cut a track (118a, 118b) though the biological sample, and - the apparatus further comprises a suction device in connection with the gouging head (125, 225, 325). • a dissection tool (120, 220) • a platform for supporting the planar substrate; • a positioning system (130, 132, 135, 137a) configured to move the dissection tool and the platform relative to each other and control their relative positions such that the dissection tool selectively engages with the biological sample in a predefined region thereof (S; X); whereby the dissection tool has a longitudinal axis and is arranged at an oblique angle (α) relative to the platform, and comprises a thin-walled gouging head (125, 225) having a base portion; wherein: - the positioning system is further configured to bring an underside of the gouging head into contact with the planar substrate in use of the tool; - the gouging head further has opposing side portions (127b, 127c) which extend from the base portion in a direction away from the planar substrate and which at least partly enclose a cavity within the gouging head for receiving biological material that is dissected when relative movement between the gouging head (125, 225, 325) and the planar substrate causes a front face of the gouging head to cut a track (118a, 118b) though the biological sample, and - the apparatus further comprises a suction device in connection with the gouging head (125, 225, 325). - the positioning system is further configured to bring an underside of the gouging head into contact with the planar substrate in use of the tool; - the gouging head further has opposing side portions (127b, 127c) which extend from the base portion in a direction away from the planar substrate and which at least partly enclose a cavity within the gouging head for receiving biological material that is dissected when relative movement between the gouging head (125, 225, 325) and the planar substrate causes a front face of the gouging head to cut a track (118a, 118b) though the biological sample, and - the apparatus further comprises a suction device in connection with the gouging head (125, 225, 325).