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Updated: Jun 4, 2026
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High-resolution Fiber-optic Microendoscopy for in situ Cellular Imaging
Published on: January 11, 2011
Living cell imaging by far-field fibered interference scanning optical microscopy
Jean-Baptiste Decombe1, Wilfrid Schwartz, Catherine Villard
1Institut N´eel, CNRS & Universit´e Joseph Fourier, 25 Avenue des Martyrs, BP 166, 38042 Grenoble, France.
Optics Express
|March 4, 2011
Summary
A new fibered interferometric scanning optical microscope images biological cells, including living neurons, revealing detailed topography and surface roughness. This fast, high-resolution technique works in liquids without complex setups.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Cell Biology
- Optical Microscopy
Background:
- Advanced imaging techniques are crucial for understanding cellular structures and functions.
- Existing microscopy methods can be complex, costly, and unsuitable for live biological samples in liquid environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and demonstrate a novel fibered interferometric scanning optical microscope for biological cell imaging.
- To showcase the capability of this microscope for high-resolution imaging of live cells, including neurons, in aqueous conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a dedicated fibered interferometric scanning optical microscope.
- Performed imaging of biological samples, specifically mouse fibroblasts and hippocampal neurons, in liquid.
- Employed a straightforward far-field optical technique.
Main Results:
- Successfully imaged the topography and surface roughness of mouse fibroblasts.
- Clearly revealed the surface details of living hippocampal neurons.
- Achieved fast, high-resolution observations of samples in liquids.
Conclusions:
- The developed fibered interferometric scanning optical microscope offers a simple and effective method for high-resolution live-cell imaging.
- This technique eliminates the need for extensive alignment and expensive components, making it accessible for biological research.
- The microscope provides valuable insights into cellular morphology and surface characteristics in physiological conditions.
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