Adapting upright light sheet fluorescence microscopy for imaging at air-liquid interface

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Microscopy Techniques
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) offers gentle, high-speed volumetric imaging.
• Limited sample space in conventional LSFM hinders studies at air-liquid interfaces (ALI).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a device for robust ALI imaging using upright LSFM with dipping objectives.
• To enable LSFM for biological specimens requiring an air-liquid interface.

Main Methods:

• Engineered a specialized device for ALI specimen mounting on an upright LSFM.
• Demonstrated system utility with diverse biological models: mouse salivary glands, human epidermal equivalents, and Drosophila brains.

Main Results:

• Successfully performed robust ALI imaging with the developed device.
• Showcased adaptability across ex vivo, in vitro, and in vivo models.
• Validated the system's potential for expanding LSFM applications.

Conclusions:

• The presented device overcomes LSFM limitations for ALI studies.
• This adaptable system provides a blueprint for broader LSFM adoption in research.
• Facilitates advanced imaging for previously inaccessible biological systems.