3D super-resolution live- cell imaging with radial symmetry and Fourier light-field microscopy

Live-cell imaging reveals the phenotypes and mechanisms of cellular function and their dysfunction that underscore cell physiology, development, and pathology. Here, we report a 3D super-resolution live-cell microscopy method by integrating radiality analysis and Fourier light-field microscopy (rad-FLFM). We demonstrated the method using various live-cell specimens, including actins in Hela cells, microtubules in mammary organoid cells, and peroxisomes in COS-7 cells. Compared with conventional wide-field microscopy, rad-FLFM realizes scanning-free, volumetric 3D live-cell imaging with sub-diffraction-limited resolution of similar to 150 nm (x-y) and 300 nm (z), milliseconds volume acquisition time, six-fold extended depth of focus of similar to 6 mu m, and low photodamage. The method provides a promising avenue to explore spatiotemporal-challenging subcellular processes in a wide range of cell biological research.

Automated summary

This study reports a 3D super-resolution live-cell microscopy method called rad-FLFM, which combines radiality analysis and Fourier light-field microscopy. The method enables scanning-free, high-resolution, and low photodamage live-cell imaging in three dimensions.