In the field of microscopy, recent years have seen tremendous progress in both hardware and algorithms, pushing the boundaries of our ability to explore the microscopic wonders of life. However, the development of three-dimensional structured illumination microscopy (3DSIM) has faced its fair share of challenges, particularly in terms of the speed and complexity of polarization modulation. A ground-breaking solution has emerged in the form of the high-speed modulation 3DSIM system called “DMD-3DSIM,” which combines digital display with super-resolution imaging, enabling scientists to observe cellular structures with unprecedented detail.
Professor Peng Xi’s team at Peking University has pioneered the development of the DMD-3DSIM system, utilizing a digital micromirror device (DMD) and an electro-optic modulator (EOM). This cutting-edge setup addresses the resolution challenges encountered in traditional wide-field imaging techniques by significantly enhancing both lateral (side-to-side) and axial (top-to-bottom) resolution. Notably, the 3D spatial resolution achieved by DMD-3DSIM is reported to be twice as high as that of conventional methods.
The application of DMD-3DSIM goes far beyond theoretical advancements; it allows researchers to capture intricate details of subcellular structures that were previously obscured. The system has been utilized to investigate various elements within animal and plant cells. In animal cells, it can reveal the inner workings of the nuclear pore complex, microtubules, actin filaments, and mitochondria. Similarly, in highly scattering plant cell ultrastructures such as oleander leaves and black algal leaves, DMD-3DSIM unveils the intricacies of cell walls and hollow structures.
One particularly fascinating discovery using the DMD-3DSIM system relates to the polarization effect observed in actin filaments within a mouse kidney slice. With its high-resolution capacity, the system revealed a pronounced polarization effect in these filaments, opening up new possibilities for understanding the role of actin in various biological processes.
What truly sets the DMD-3DSIM system apart is its commitment to open science. Professor Peng Xi’s team has taken the initiative to make all the hardware components and control mechanisms of the setup openly available on GitHub. This approach not only facilitates collaboration among researchers but also encourages the scientific community to build upon this technology, pushing the boundaries of multidimensional imaging even further. By combining hardware and software openness, the team hopes to lay the foundation for the future of 3DSIM, empowering scientists to make significant biological discoveries and unlock new possibilities.
The rapid advancements in microscopy, coupled with the ingenious development of the DMD-3DSIM system, have revolutionized our understanding of cellular structures. Through enhanced resolution and the ability to capture intricate details, this groundbreaking system opens doors to exciting discoveries in the world of biology. By sharing their expertise and technologies openly, Professor Peng Xi’s team at Peking University has paved the way for collaborative research and set the stage for the next generation of 3DSIM. With the fusion of hardware and software openness, the future of multidimensional imaging holds great promise.
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