Hierarchical spiral-scan trajectory for efficient scanning ion conductance microscopy

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Microscopy
• Biophysics

Background:

• Scanning Ion Conductance Microscopy (SICM) offers high-resolution, non-contact imaging suitable for live cells in physiological conditions.
• Conventional SICM scanning modes, like hopping/backstep, suffer from long acquisition times due to extensive probe retraction.
• This limitation restricts SICM's broader application in dynamic biological studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel SICM scanning approach to significantly reduce imaging time.
• To address the issue of extended acquisition time in current SICM techniques.
• To enhance the applicability of SICM for time-sensitive biological investigations.

Main Methods:

• A new SICM scanning strategy employing an Archimedes spiral trajectory is proposed.
• The method involves gradual z-direction descent and rapid xy-plane detection of sample's highest points.
• This approach minimizes probe retrace distance by quickly determining maximum sample height in a region.

Main Results:

• The novel scanning method demonstrably reduces imaging time compared to traditional hopping/backstep modes.
• Experimental imaging of PDMS and C2C12 cells confirmed faster acquisition speeds.
• The new method maintains high imaging quality, comparable to conventional techniques.

Conclusions:

• The proposed Archimedes spiral-based SICM scanning approach offers a substantial improvement in imaging speed.
• This technique effectively overcomes the time limitations of existing SICM scanning modes.
• It enables faster, high-quality imaging of biological samples, expanding SICM's utility in research.