Real-time three-dimensional imaging of cell division by differential interference contrast microscopy

Differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy can provide information about subcellular components and organelles inside living cells. Applicability to date, however, has been limited to 2D imaging. Unfortunately, understanding of cellular dynamics is difficult to extract from these single optical sections. We demonstrate here that 3D differential interference contrast microscopy has sub-diffraction limit resolution both laterally and vertically, and can be used for following Madin Darby canine kidney cell division process in real time. This is made possible by optimization of the microscope optics and by incorporating computer-controlled vertical scanning of the microscope stage.