3D Chemical Imaging of Cells and Tissues

Three-dimensional (3D) imaging harnesses the power of technology and analytical techniques in to help study the intricacies of living cells. Effective 3D imaging helps us understand biological and biomedical systems better, and it is a valuable tool for clinicians and other medical professionals (1). The use of 3D imaging has assisted clinicians in conducting CT and MRI scans for patients, allowing for a more efficient and accurate diagnosis (2).

However, 3D imaging still faces certain limitations, such as a constrained imaging speed (1). A recent study explores this issue and presents an applicable solution. In the study, researchers Weiqi Wang and Zhiwei Huang of National University of Singapore introduced a technique called phase-modulated stimulated Raman scattering tomography (PM-SRST) that allows for efficient, label-free three-dimensional (3D) chemical imaging capabilities in cells and tissues (1). Their findings were published in Advanced Photonics (1).

The study shows that the PM-SRST technique overcomes some of the hurdles that traditional methods encounter. Wang and Huang demonstrate in their study how PM-SRST can leverage a spatial light modulator to electronically manipulate the focused Stokes beam along the needle Bessel pump beam for SRS tomography, eliminating the need for mechanical z-scanning (1). This innovation enables rapid 3D imaging, as demonstrated by real-time monitoring of phenomena such as 3D Brownian motion of polystyrene beads and instantaneous biochemical responses to acetic acid stimulants in MCF-7 cells (1).

The study also demonstrated how combining the Bessel pump beam with a longer wavelength Stokes beam in the near-infrared (NIR-II window) significantly enhanced scattering resilience, facilitating rapid tomography in deeper tissue areas (1). As a result, PM-SRST showed significant improvement in imaging depth of highly scattering media (1).

The versatility of the PM-SRST technique is highlighted by its applicability in various dynamic and functional imaging scenarios, such as observing the dynamic diffusion and uptake processes of deuterium oxide molecules into plant roots (1). Crucially, PM-SRST eliminates the need for mechanical z-scanning while providing optical sectioning capabilities through phase control, thereby advancing 3D microscopy imaging in biological and biomedical systems (1).

Other imaging modalities could benefit from using PM-SRST, which is designed to adapt to them. As an example, these other imaging modalities include coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) tomography, second-/third-harmonic generation tomography, multiphoton tomography, and fluorescence tomography (1). This increases PM-SRST’s versatility across many biomolecular applications. In particular, PM-SRST was demonstrated to be an innovative tool for rapid, z-scanning-free 3D chemical imaging applications (1).

The introduction of PM-SRST marks a significant milestone in the field of 3D imaging, offering researchers unprecedented speed and depth in studying cellular and tissue dynamics without the constraints of traditional scanning methods. Improving the capabilities of 3D imaging will increase diagnostic confidence and replace expensive, invasive diagnostic procedures (2). This study from Wang and Huang advances work in this field.

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References

1. Wang, W.; Huang, Z. Stimulated Raman scattering tomography for rapid three-dimensional chemical imaging of cells and tissue. Adv. Photonics 2024, 6 (2), 026001. DOI: 10.1117/1.A.P.6.2.026001
2. Massachusetts General Hospital, Benefits of 3D Imaging. Available at: https://www.massgeneral.org/imaging/approach/professional-services/3dimaging/benefits#:~:text=By%20producing%20a%20concise%20visual,Increase%20clinical%20productivity (accessed February 22nd, 2024).