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Optical Clearing of Plant Tissues for Fluorescence Imaging
Published on: January 5, 2022
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An optical clearing technique for plant tissues allowing deep imaging and compatible with fluorescence microscopy
Cherish A Warner1, Meredith L Biedrzycki2, Samuel S Jacobs2
1Delaware Biotechnology Institute (C.A.W., S.S.J., J.C., D.J.S.) andDepartments of Biological Sciences (C.A.W., M.L.B., S.S.J., J.C., D.J.S.); andPlant and Soil Sciences (M.L.B., R.J.W., J.C., D.J.S.), University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19717-1303 jcaplan@udel.edu sherrier@dbi.udel.edu.
Plant Physiology
|October 26, 2014
Summary
We developed a nondestructive clearing method to improve light transmission in diverse plant tissues. This technique enables deep imaging and preserves fluorescence for advanced plant research.
Area of Science:
- Plant biology
- Microscopy
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Microscopy is crucial for plant research.
- Imaging thick plant tissues is challenging due to light scattering.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a novel nondestructive clearing technique for plant specimens.
- To enable deep imaging of plant organs and tissues.
- To ensure compatibility with common biological research methods.
Main Methods:
- A new clearing method was applied to diverse plant species.
- The technique enhances light transmission through plant tissues.
- Compatibility with immunocytochemistry and fluorescent probes was tested.
Main Results:
- The clearing technique successfully enhanced light transmission.
- Plant organs and thick sections became amenable to deep imaging.
- Fluorescence from probes, including Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), was preserved.
Conclusions:
- The developed clearing method offers new possibilities for plant research.
- It facilitates advanced imaging techniques in diverse plant species.
- The technique supports the use of fluorescent markers in cleared tissues.
