Lattice light sheet microscope for fast dual-color long-term imaging

• Subject Area: Neurosciences
• Term: Funded in 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 514074999

Many important physiological processes such as development and regeneration, biological rhythms, and aging are regulated and manifest at multiple temporal scales. The investigation of these processes requires measurements at multiple levels, ranging from organism and tissue behavior to cellular and molecular events. Hence, to understand complex physiological processes, methodologies are needed that can image these processes with a high temporal and spatial resolution over long time periods. A major challenge in imaging biological processes with high spatial and temporal resolution over extended time periods has been the phototoxicity that is caused by most high-resolution optical sectioning imaging approaches. Light sheet microscopy offers the unique feature of specifically illuminating the currently imaged focal plane, thus resulting in a much gentler illumination of the specimen. Moreover, the advent of the lattice light sheet technology has enabled light sheet imaging at subcellular resolution. A robust lattice light sheet imaging platform allowing for the investigation of light-sensitive biological specimen is essential for many research projects within TU Dresden. Here, we apply for a lattice light sheet platform that will enable fast and gentle multi-color experiments over extended periods of time. The lattice light sheet technology for the first time allows for long-term multicolor imaging of fast biological processes with subcellular resolution. This technology will thus be the basis for the investigation of many highly relevant biological processes. The platform will be set up in the Light Microscopy Facility (LMF) of the Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB) at the TU Dresden, thus securing open access and best-possible support for all users.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Lattice light sheet Mikroskop für schnelle Zweifarben-Bildgebung
• Instrumentation Group: 5040 Spezielle Mikroskope (außer 500-503)
• Applicant Institution: Technische Universität Dresden
• Leader: Professor Dr. Henrik Bringmann