To label or not: the need for validation in label-free imaging

Area of Science:

• Biological and Biomedical Imaging
• Cell Biology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Label-free imaging methods have advanced significantly, impacting diverse fields like cancer research and pathology.
• Despite progress, these techniques require validation using extrinsic labels and probes to reach their full potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical need for developing and applying innovative labels and probes.
• To validate both existing and emerging label-free imaging methods.

Main Methods:

• Review of major label-free imaging techniques, discussing their advantages and contrasts.
• Examination of biological applications of label-free imaging.
• Focus on how labeling strategies can validate label-free approaches.

Main Results:

• Validation with extrinsic labels is essential for label-free imaging adoption.
• Successful validation can lead to more sophisticated image-based biomarkers.
• Enhanced understanding of underlying biological signals is a key outcome.

Conclusions:

• Increased efforts in extrinsic label validation will accelerate the use of label-free methods.
• This acceleration applies to both basic research and clinical applications.
• Further adoption of label-free imaging promises significant advancements in biological and biomedical research.