Expansion microscopy: principles and uses in biological research
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Updated: Jan 31, 2026

Author Spotlight: Universal Molecular Retention with 11-Fold Expansion Microscopy
Published on: October 6, 2023
Asmamaw T Wassie1,2,3,4, Yongxin Zhao4,5, Edward S Boyden6,7,8,9,10,11
1Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
Abstract:
Many biological investigations require 3D imaging of cells or tissues with nanoscale spatial resolution. We recently discovered that preserved biological specimens can be physically expanded in an isotropic fashion through a chemical process. Expansion microscopy (ExM) allows nanoscale imaging of biological specimens with conventional microscopes, decrowds biomolecules in support of signal amplification and multiplexed readout chemistries, and makes specimens transparent. We review the principles of how ExM works, advances in the technology made by our group and others, and its applications throughout biology and medicine.
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