High-resolution fiber-optic microendoscopy for in situ cellular imaging.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Optical Imaging
• Cellular Biology

Background:

• Longitudinal cellular-level imaging is crucial for biological and clinical studies.
• Traditional methods involve destructive sampling and complex, expensive intravital microscopy systems.
• There is a need for accessible, high-resolution in situ imaging solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a protocol for designing and assembling a cost-effective, high-resolution microendoscope (HRME).
• To demonstrate the HRME's flexibility and adaptability for various imaging needs.
• To highlight the HRME as a complementary tool for in situ cellular analysis.

Main Methods:

• Protocol for assembling a high-resolution microendoscope using off-the-shelf components.
• Description of how to modify image resolution, field-of-view, and operating wavelength.
• Demonstration of HRME application in various settings: in vitro, animal tissues, and human tissues in vivo.

Main Results:

• Successful design and assembly of an HRME for under $5,000, buildable within a day.
• HRME demonstrated flexibility in resolution, field-of-view, and wavelength.
• Successful imaging in diverse samples including cell cultures, animal tissues, and human tissues in vivo.
• Compatibility with FDA-approved fluorescent contrast agents like proflavine, BPD-MA, and fluorescein.

Conclusions:

• The developed high-resolution microendoscope (HRME) provides an economical and effective method for longitudinal in situ imaging.
• This technique complements traditional microscopy, offering cellular-level resolution for diverse research applications.
• The HRME platform is suitable for a broad range of basic and clinical science researchers.