easySTORM: a robust, lower-cost approach to localisation and TIRF microscopy

Area of Science:

• Biophysics
• Optical Microscopy
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Super-resolution microscopy techniques like TIRF and STORM offer high-resolution cellular imaging.
• Current implementations often involve complex and expensive equipment, limiting widespread adoption.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a simplified and cost-effective method for achieving TIRF and STORM imaging.
• To make advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques more accessible to researchers.

Main Methods:

• Utilized multimode optical fibers and multimode diode lasers for excitation light.
• Integrated open-source software and straightforward sample preparation protocols.
• Employed Vectashield for non-TIRF imaging applications.

Main Results:

• Successfully implemented a low-cost setup for TIRF and STORM microscopy.
• Demonstrated the capability to image cells labeled with appropriate dyes or fluorescent proteins.
• The developed approach significantly reduces the complexity and cost associated with these imaging modalities.

Conclusions:

• This straightforward, low-cost approach democratizes access to TIRF and STORM super-resolution microscopy.
• Enables researchers to perform advanced cell imaging without significant financial or technical barriers.
• Facilitates wider application of super-resolution techniques in cell biology research.