3D Imaging and Analysis Services Using Light Sheet Microscopy

This article explains 3D imaging using light-sheet microscopy. We summarize the hurdles to adoption in companies, the benefits of utilizing light-sheet microscopy analysis outsourcing services, and key points for selecting an analysis service.

Why light sheet microscopy is essential for 3D imaging

Previous shooting using a confocal laser microscope had challenges such as enormous scanning time and bleaching of the sample caused by laser irradiation. In contrast,Using light sheet microscopy, rapidly image whole brains and organs while suppressing phototoxicity.Therefore, light-sheet microscopy is an indispensable "two wheels of a cart" for 3D analysis using tissue-clearing techniques.

Three hurdles in introduction

High initial capital investment

When introducing cutting-edge light-sheet microscopy in-house from scratch,Tens of millions of yen in initial capital investment are required.This will be the case. Furthermore, even after purchase, there will be costs for regular maintenance and upkeep, replacement of lasers and special objectives, and server maintenance for data storage, among others.High running costs occur continuously.Therefore, there are many cases where companies hesitate to build their own environment.

Challenges in tissue transparency and immunohistochemistry techniques

Organizational transparency technology isThe optimal clearing reagent (e.g., CUBIC or iDISCO) varies greatly depending on the target organ or protein.Therefore, it takes an enormous amount of time just to examine the conditions. Furthermore, the process of immunostaining to allow antibodies to penetrate deep tissues requires advanced techniques and know-how to prevent fluorescence quenching and artifact (noise) generation,Securing researchers with specialized skills is a hurdle.will be.

Data Handling and AI Analysis

3D image data acquired by light-sheet microscopy can sometimes reach enormous capacities on the order of terabytes (TB) for a single sample. Therefore,A robust IT infrastructure environment is essential for stable data storage and transfer.This can be said. Furthermore, in addition to introducing a high-performance GPU environment and expensive specialized analysis software for automatically counting cells from massive image data, the ability to effectively use themAdvanced data processing skillsis required.

Benefits of Using Light Sheet Microscopy Analysis Services

Workflow consolidated contract

As a means to solve the aforementioned hurdles, outsourcing to a specialized company is an option. Among the analysis consignment services, there are those that use light sheet microscopy.We offer a one-stop service for everything from sample preparation such as degreasing and clearing, to immunostaining and quantitative analysis, not just imaging.There are also cases. By utilizing such contract services, the research lead time can be significantly shortened.

Support for various obfuscation methods

For experienced contract manufacturers, such as CUBIC and iDISCOProven track record and extensive knowledge in diverse anonymization protocols.and can propose suitable methods and imaging conditions from a specialized perspective depending on the target organ or observation you wish to perform. Compared to cases where conditions are studied from scratch within the company, issues such as artifacts and poor staining...This reduces the risk of failure and allows you to obtain high-quality data.

Providing advanced data analysis results

By utilizing commissioned services, you can obtain not just simple 3D images, but also quantitative data on cell spatial distribution and statistical analysis reports by leveraging AI.You can receive advanced data analysis results.

Summary

Combining light-sheet microscopy with tissue clearing for three-dimensional spatial analysis enables the acquisition of more precise data than traditional 2D sectioning, and is therefore expected to become an increasingly standard method in the future. From this perspective, when selecting a light-sheet microscopy analysis service provider, it is important not to choose solely based on price.Comprehensive evaluation of specific achievements and data in target organs/stains, data security, and consulting capabilities.It can be said that it is extremely important.