1. A mechanical microcompressor for high resolution imaging of motile specimens.
- Author
-
Zinskie JA, Shribak M, Bruist MF, Aufderheide KJ, and Janetopoulos C
- Subjects
- Animals, Caenorhabditis elegans ultrastructure, Cytological Techniques methods, Escherichia coli ultrastructure, Paramecium ultrastructure, Saccharomyces cerevisiae ultrastructure, Caenorhabditis elegans cytology, Cytological Techniques instrumentation, Escherichia coli cytology, Image Processing, Computer-Assisted methods, Paramecium cytology, Saccharomyces cerevisiae cytology, Single-Cell Analysis methods
- Abstract
In order to obtain fine details in 3 dimensions (3D) over time, it is critical for motile biological specimens to be appropriately immobilized. Of the many immobilization options available, the mechanical microcompressor offers many benefits. Our device, previously described, achieves gentle flattening of a cell, allowing us to image finely detailed structures of numerous organelles and physiological processes in living cells. We have imaged protozoa and other small metazoans using differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy, orientation-independent (OI) DIC, and real-time birefringence imaging using a video-enhanced polychromatic polscope. We also describe an enhancement of our previous design by engineering a new device where the coverslip mount is fashioned onto the top of the base; so the entire apparatus is accessible on top of the stage. The new location allows for easier manipulation of the mount when compressing or releasing a specimen on an inverted microscope. Using this improved design, we imaged immobilized bacteria, yeast, paramecia, and nematode worms and obtained an unprecedented view of cell and specimen details. A variety of microscopic techniques were used to obtain high resolution images of static and dynamic cellular and physiological events., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2015
- Full Text
- View/download PDF