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

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Optics
• Microscopy
• Biological Imaging

Background:

• Biological studies require multi-scale imaging, which single modalities struggle to provide.
• Current optical microscopy techniques often lack the necessary resolution and scale range for comprehensive biological observation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a hybrid optical system integrating multiple imaging modalities for enhanced biological visualization.
• To achieve a broad range of geometrical scales and contrast modes within a single system.

Main Methods:

• Combined optoacoustic mesoscopy, optoacoustic microscopy, and two-photon microscopy (including second and third harmonic generation).
• Utilized label-free imaging techniques.
• Applied the system to ex-vivo mouse ear and zebrafish larva samples.

Main Results:

• Achieved a 1000-fold increase in volume sampling compared to traditional optical microscopy.
• Demonstrated complementary contrast and scale capabilities.
• Showcased superior anatomical orientation and dynamic field of view/resolution selection over fluorescence microscopy.

Conclusions:

• The hybrid optical system offers unprecedented capabilities for biological visualization across multiple scales.
• Label-free imaging and hybrid operation provide significant advantages over conventional fluorescence microscopy.
• This technology opens new avenues for dynamic biological observation and discovery.