Optical projection tomography implemented for accessibility and low cost (OPTImAL).

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Imaging
• Microscopy
• Optical Physics

Background:

• Optical Projection Tomography (OPT) is a 3D imaging technique for mesoscopic samples.
• Existing OPT systems can be costly and complex, limiting accessibility for research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present an accessible, low-cost, open-source implementation of fluorescence OPT.
• To enable wider adoption of OPT for biological research.

Main Methods:

• Developed modular OPT hardware using affordable components like LEDs and CMOS cameras.
• Implemented flexible software supporting compressive sensing for rapid imaging.
• Explored focal scanning OPT with fan-beam reconstruction for higher resolution.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated a research-grade, modular OPT system with reduced cost.
• Achieved rapid imaging with low photobleaching/phototoxicity using compressive sensing.
• Showcased potential for higher resolution imaging with focal scanning.

Conclusions:

• The developed open-source OPT system enhances accessibility for 3D mesoscopic imaging.
• This affordable platform facilitates advanced imaging techniques with reduced sample damage.
• Promotes reproducible research in microscopy through open hardware and software.