Challenges in 3D Live Cell Imaging

Abstract

A short overview on 3D live cell imaging is given. Relevant samples are described and various problems and challenges—including 3D imaging by optical sectioning, light scattering and phototoxicity—are addressed. Furthermore, enhanced methods of wide-field or laser scanning microscopy together with some relevant examples and applications are summarized. In the future one may profit from a continuous increase in microscopic resolution, but also from molecular sensing techniques in the nanometer range using e.g., non-radiative energy transfer (FRET).

Keywords

• 3D cell cultures
• light scattering
• phototoxicity
• wide-field microscopy
• laser scanning microscopy
• structured illumination