Isotropic imaging across spatial scales with axially swept light-sheet microscopy

• Published in: Nature protocols Vol. 17; no. 9; pp. 2025 - 2053
• Main Authors: Dean, Kevin M., Chakraborty, Tonmoy, Daetwyler, Stephan, Lin, Jinlong, Garrelts, Gerard, M’Saad, Ons, Mekbib, Hannahmariam T., Voigt, Fabian F., Schaettin, Martina, Stoeckli, Esther T., Helmchen, Fritjof, Bewersdorf, Joerg, Fiolka, Reto
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 01.09.2022
• Subjects: 631/1647/245/2225; 631/1647/328/2237; Analytical Chemistry; Biological Techniques; Biomedical and Life Sciences; Computational Biology/Bioinformatics; Imaging, Three-Dimensional - methods; Life Sciences; Microarrays; Microscopy, Fluorescence - methods; Organic Chemistry; Protocol; Software
• ISSN: 1754-2189; 1750-2799; 1750-2799
• DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00706-6

Light-sheet fluorescence microscopy is a rapidly growing technique that has gained tremendous popularity in the life sciences owing to its high-spatiotemporal resolution and gentle, non-phototoxic illumination. In this protocol, we provide detailed directions for the assembly and operation of a versatile light-sheet fluorescence microscopy variant, referred to as axially swept light-sheet microscopy (ASLM), that delivers an unparalleled combination of field of view, optical resolution and optical sectioning. To democratize ASLM, we provide an overview of its working principle and applications to biological imaging, as well as pragmatic tips for the assembly, alignment and control of its optical systems. Furthermore, we provide detailed part lists and schematics for several variants of ASLM that together can resolve molecular detail in chemically expanded samples, subcellular organization in living cells or the anatomical composition of chemically cleared intact organisms. We also provide software for instrument control and discuss how users can tune imaging parameters to accommodate diverse sample types. Thus, this protocol will serve not only as a guide for both introductory and advanced users adopting ASLM, but as a useful resource for any individual interested in deploying custom imaging technology. We expect that building an ASLM will take ~1–2 months, depending on the experience of the instrument builder and the version of the instrument. This protocol describes the working principle and implementation of axially swept light-sheet microscopy, which can image subcellular features at organ scales in 3D. It discusses how to optimize its design and provides a detailed guide for its construction and alignment.