The mesoSPIM initiative: open-source light-sheet microscopes for imaging cleared tissue.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Imaging
• Microscopy Technology
• Open Hardware Development

Background:

• Light-sheet microscopy is effective for imaging large cleared biological samples.
• Current limitations exist in achieving high-resolution volumetric imaging of centimeter-sized samples rapidly.

Purpose of the Study:

• Introduce the mesoscale selective plane-illumination microscopy (SPIM) initiative.
• Address the need for advanced light-sheet microscopy instruments for large-scale imaging.

Main Methods:

• Developed an open-hardware light-sheet microscope system.
• Designed for compatibility with various cleared and expanded biological samples.
• Focused on achieving near-isotropic resolution for volumetric imaging.

Main Results:

• The mesoscale SPIM initiative provides a solution for imaging large cleared samples.
• Enables volumetric imaging of centimeter-sized samples with high resolution.
• The open-hardware nature promotes accessibility and further development.

Conclusions:

• The mesoscale SPIM initiative offers a powerful, accessible tool for advanced biological imaging.
• Overcomes current limitations in light-sheet microscopy for large-scale samples.
• Facilitates rapid, high-resolution imaging of cleared and expanded tissues.