Novel method for fast 3D microscopy
A team of scientists develop a method to observe fast movements in 3D


Date:
July 28, 2021
Source:
University of Bonn
Summary:
Researchers have now developed a method that allows the use of
multi- focal images to reconstruct the movement of fast biological
processes in 3D.



FULL STORY ==========================================================================
In the past, many discoveries have been made because better, more accurate measurement methods have become available, making it possible to obtain
data from previously unexplored phenomena. For example, high-resolution microscopy has begun to dramatically change our perspectives of cell
function and dynamics. Researchers at the ImmunoSensation2 Cluster of Excellence at the University of Bonn, the University Hospital and the
research center caesar have now develop a method that allows using
multi-focal images to reconstruct the movement of fast biological
processes in 3D. The study has been recently published in the journal
Nature Communications.


==========================================================================
Many biological processes happen on a nano- to millimeter scale and
within milliseconds. Established methods such as confocal microscopy
are suitable for precise 3D recordings but lack the temporal or spatial resolution to resolve fast 3D processes and require labeled samples. For
many investigations in biology, image acquisition at high frame rates is essential to record and understand the principles that govern cellular functions or fast animal behaviors. The challenge facing the scientists
can be compared to following a thrilling tennis match: Sometimes it is
not possible to follow the fast-moving ball with precision, or the ball
is not discovered before it is already out of bounds.

With previous methods, the researchers were unable to track the shot
because the image was blurred or the object of interest was simply
no longer in the field-of-view after the picture was taken. Standard
multifocal imaging methods allow high-speed 3D imaging but are limited
by the compromise between high resolution and large field-of-view,
and they often require bright fluorescent labels.

For the first time, the hereby described method allows multifocal imaging
with both a large field of view and a high spatio-temporal resolution to
be used. In this study, the scientists track the movement of non-labeled spherical and filamentous structures quickly and accurately.

As very strikingly described in the study, the new method now provides
novel insight into the dynamics of flagellar beating and its connection
to the swimming behavior of sperm. This connection has been possible
because the researchers were able to precisely record the flagellar beat
of free-swimming sperm in 3D over a long period of time and simultaneously follow sperm trajectories of individual sperm. In addition, the scientists determined the 3D fluid flow around the beating sperm. Such findings not
only open the door to understand causes of infertility, but could also
be used in so-called "bionics," i.e., the transfer of principles found
in nature to technical applications.

Researchers at the ImmunoSensation2 Cluster of Excellence can already
use the new method -- and not just to observe sperm. This method could
also be used to determine the 3D flow maps that result from the beating
of motile cilia. Motile cilia beat in a similar way to the sperm tail
and transport fluid. Cilia-driven flow plays an important role in the
ventricle of the brain or in the airways where it serves to transport
mucus out of the lungs and into the throat- this is also how pathogens
are transported out and warded off.

The multi-focal imaging concept reported in this study is cost-effective,
can be easily implemented, and does not rely on object labeling. The researchers assert that their new method can find its way into other
fields as well, and they see many other potential applications.

========================================================================== Story Source: Materials provided by University_of_Bonn. Note: Content
may be edited for style and length.


========================================================================== Journal Reference:
1. Jan N. Hansen, An Gong, Dagmar Wachten, Rene' Pascal, Alex Turpin,
Jan F.

Jikeli, U. Benjamin Kaupp, Luis Alvarez. Multifocal
imaging for precise, label-free tracking of fast biological
processes in 3D. Nature Communications, 2021; 12 (1) DOI:
10.1038/s41467-021-24768-4 ==========================================================================

Link to news story: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/07/210728105605.htm

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