Combining microscopy with mesoscopy using optical and optoacoustic label-free modes

Sci Rep. 2015 Aug 26:5:12902. doi: 10.1038/srep12902.

Abstract

Biology requires observations at multiple geometrical scales, a feature that is not typically offered by a single imaging modality. We developed a hybrid optical system that not only provides different contrast modes but also offers imaging at different geometrical scales, achieving uniquely broad resolution and a 1000-fold volume sampling increase compared to volumes scanned by optical microscopy. The system combines optoacoustic mesoscopy, optoacoustic microscopy and two-photon microscopy, the latter integrating second and third harmonic generation modes. Label-free imaging of a mouse ear and zebrafish larva ex-vivo demonstrates the contrast and scale complementarity provided by the hybrid system. We showcase the superior anatomical orientation offered by the label-free capacity and hybrid operation, over fluorescence microscopy, and the dynamic selection between field of view and resolution achieved, leading to new possibilities in biological visualization.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Contrast Media
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Image Enhancement / instrumentation*
  • Image Enhancement / methods
  • Mice
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence, Multiphoton / instrumentation*
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence, Multiphoton / methods
  • Multimodal Imaging / instrumentation*
  • Multimodal Imaging / methods
  • Photoacoustic Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Photoacoustic Techniques / methods
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Staining and Labeling
  • Tomography, Optical / instrumentation*
  • Tomography, Optical / methods
  • Zebrafish

Substances

  • Contrast Media