In a significant advance for biomedical research, scientists at Osaka University have perfected a Raman microscopy technique that delivers remarkably clear and detailed chemical images of cryofixed biological samples.
A pioneering study by researchers from Osaka University has unveiled a groundbreaking method to produce clearer, sharper Raman microscopy images of biological samples. This innovative technique is set to revolutionize the way scientists visualize and understand cellular behavior and molecular processes.
The study, recently published in Science Advances, introduces an advanced method for high-resolution Raman microscopy.
Traditionally, capturing Raman light from biological samples, such as proteins essential to bodily functions, has been challenging due to the weak Raman signal being easily overshadowed by background noise. This results in subpar image quality.
The research team tackled this issue by developing a microscope that maintains the temperature of previously frozen samples during imaging. By doing so, they achieved images that are up to eight times brighter than those produced by conventional Raman microscopy.
“One of the main reasons for blurry images is the motion of the things you’re trying to look at,” lead author Kenta Mizushima, a graduate student in the Department of Applied Physics at Osaka University, said in a news release. “By imaging frozen samples that were unable to move, we could use longer exposure times without damaging the samples. This led to high signals compared with the background, high resolution and larger fields of view.”
This approach stands out because it eliminates the need for staining and chemical fixing, which means the images more accurately represent the biological processes and cellular behavior. The freezing process used in this method conserves the physicochemical states of different proteins, an achievement not possible with chemical fixation methods.
“Raman microscopy adds a complementary option to the imaging toolbox,” added senior author Katsumasa Fujita, a professor in Osaka University’s Department of Applied Physics. “The fact that it not only provides cell images, but also information about the distribution and particular chemical states of molecules, is very useful when we are continually striving to achieve the most detailed possible understanding.”
The ramifications of this research are vast. Combining the new technique with other microscopy methods will allow for more detailed analyses of biological samples, with far-reaching potential impacts in fields such as medicine and pharmaceuticals. This advance could lead to better diagnostic tools, more precise treatments and overall gains in our understanding of cellular biology.