Structured Illumination in microscopy: A Leap in nanoscopic Imaging

In the realm of fluorescence-based microscopy, achieving precise 3D imaging of living cells is a central application. Super-Resolution Microscopy has greatly improved practical resolution limits, while also relying in some cases on chemical sample preparation or high photo-dosages that can severely damage or kill cells and microscopic organisms. Here, a new microscopy module is being developed to overcome these obstacles, offering high lateral and axial resolution while not relying on toxic sample preparation. The here presented technique employs repeatable structured illumination with patterns created with coherent light and a spatial light modulator as well as the overlapping of multiple structured illumination pattern, combined with the nonlinear response of fluorophores, enhancing resolution in all 3 dimensions while reducing phototoxicity. This patented innovation promises significant advancements in live-cell microscopy, particularly for studying neuronal plasticity and pharmacological effects in real time. In this talk the current state of the development of the module as well as the results from lateral resolution enhancement and nanoscopic 3D-reconstruction are presented.