Visual advancement unveiled: Now spotlight on glowing cell activities through this latest microscope development
Revolutionary Microscope advancements at Helmholtz Munich and TUM
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich and the Technical University of Munich have developed an innovative microscope dubbed QIScope, which significantly enhances the observation of bioluminescent signals in living cells. Based on highly sensitive camera technology, the system is capable of detecting extremely weak light signals, offering higher resolution, a larger field of view, and compatibility with diverse imaging techniques.
Bioluminescence, a light emission from certain enzymes in living cells, has emerged as a versatile tool in life sciences, providing a gentle alternative to fluorescence imaging for long-term observations. However, its primary drawback has been the extremely low light intensity, which has limited high-resolution imaging. To overcome this limitation, a team led by Dr. Jian Cui discovered the potential of quantum image sensors (QIS)—a new camera technology—in low-light conditions. By combining this technology with an inspired optical system resembling telescopes, they developed QIScope, an unconventional system that marries telescope and microscope features.
QIScope enables researchers to study living systems in greater detail and over longer periods. It can capture fine dynamics in living cells, such as vesicle movement or protein behavior at very low concentrations. Lead author Jian Cui expressed, "Our microscope offers higher sensitivity, improved resolution, a larger field of view, and a higher dynamic range – all essential properties for demanding live-cell imaging experiments." The system also integrates additional imaging techniques, such as epifluorescence and phase contrast, broadening its utility and facilitating comprehensive analysis.
The groundbreaking capabilities of QIScope provide a potent new tool for studying a wide range of biological systems, from individual cells to organoids and tissue models. Its ability to reveal subtle and long-term changes in cell behavior is anticipated to drive progress in numerous research fields, including cell biology, disease models, and drug development. The original publication detailing the development of QIScope can be found in Nature Methods.
In summary, the QIScope microscope introduces several groundbreaking capabilities to address the limitations of conventional systems, boasting enhanced sensitivity and resolution, a wider field of view, and minimal phototoxicity and disturbance. It offers integration with multiple imaging modalities, broadening its utility in cell biology, disease modeling, drug discovery, and beyond.
- The new QIScope microscope, developed by researchers at Helmholtz Munich and the Technical University of Munich, promises to revolutionize the study of medical-conditions and health-and-wellness by enabling scientists to observe living cells with unprecedented detail, thanks to its advanced quantum image sensors and sophisticated optics.
- This technology, described in a publication in Nature Methods, could significantly impact various research fields, such as science, as it opens up possibilities for studying the complexities of cell behavior over extended periods, ultimately leading to breakthroughs in cell biology, disease models, and drug development.
