Between life and death - strategies to reduce phototoxicity in super-resolution microscopy

Authors: Kalina L Tosheva, Yue Yuan, Pedro Matos Pereira, Siân Culley, Ricardo Henriques
Technologies: CARE, NanoJ and NanoJ-Fluidics
Review published in Journal of Physics D - Applied Physics, January 2020
Publisher: IOP Publishing

Super-resolution microscopy (SRM) enables non-invasive, molecule-specific imaging of the internal structure and dynamics of cells with sub-diffraction limit spatial resolution. One of its major limitations is the requirement for high-intensity illumination, generating considerable cellular phototoxicity. This factor considerably limits the capacity for live-cell observations, particularly for extended periods of time. Here, we give an overview of new developments in hardware, software and probe chemistry aiming to reduce phototoxicity. Additionally, we discuss how the choice of biological model and sample environment impacts the capacity for live-cell observations.