MICROSCOPY INNOVATION PLATFORM: ADVANCES AND SERVICES FOR LARGE-TISSUE SAMPLE PREPARATION AND 3D IMAGING

As life sciences increasingly require large-scale, high-resolution imaging, light-sheet microscopy has become a key approach for whole sample 3D imaging. The mesoSPIM is a grass-root initiative that democratizes access to light-sheet microscopy through open-source hardware and software. The mesoSPIM microscopes have become flagship research instruments at the University of Zurich and in many leading research institutions around the world.

The Microscopy Innovation Platform (MIP) drives the development and support of the mesoSPIM through technical innovation and user-focused services, while developing novel combinations of multi-photon microscopy and tissue clearing/expansion. Our research and development spans optics, mechanics, sample mounting, acquisition software, image processing, and tissue preparation, complemented by services that include user training, sample preparation and imaging support. The MIP provides users with state-of-the-art microscopes, including mesoSPIMs and long working distance two-photon microscopes with a mirror-based objective (Schmidt-Voigt microscope), for high-resolution imaging of fixed and live samples. The MIP also engages in outreach through university courses and science communication events. Here, we give an overview of our imaging systems, the platform and the services we offer with selected case studies.These include expansion microscopy of mouse cortical brain tissue and high-resolution imaging of large volumes using both mesoSPIM and the Schmidt-Voigt microscope. We further showcase the development of robust mounting, clearing, and imaging workflows for whole organisms across multiple species. Finally, we outline ongoing efforts to extend the capabilities and performance of the mesoSPIM system.

With this, we aim to showcase and make our solutions openly shareable with the global bioimaging community.